terror

word

/ˈtɛɹɝ/
TE-rur
/tˈɛɹɐ/
TE-ruh

Definition

An intense feeling of extreme fear. It can also refer to something or someone that causes that fear, or to violent acts intended to create fear in people.

Usage & Nuances

Common in serious contexts and stronger than 'fear'. 'Terror' is often used in news, horror, and formal writing; in everyday speech, people more often say 'I was terrified' than 'I felt terror'. It also appears in set phrases like 'a reign of terror' and 'in terror'.

Example Sentences

For a second, I thought the dog was going to bite me, and I froze in terror.

natural

The town lived under a reign of terror for years.

natural

The loud noise filled the room with terror.

basic

The children ran away in terror.

basic

The movie shows the terror of war.

basic

She looked at me in terror when the lights went out.

natural