as in to frighten
to strike with fear
thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes
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Recent Examples of terrorize
Nichols is charged with one count each of felony assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, threatening crime with intent to terrorize and vandalism, according to court documents.
—
Dalila Muata, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
This was a calculated attempt to terrorize people because of their faith.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
State wildlife officials have finally come up with a theory to explain how a giant, highly destructive rodent that’s been terrorizing California might have come from Oregon.
—Samantha Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
If Villanueva is elected, criminal deputy gangs will feel evermore empowered to continue to terrorize communities and abuse deputies with integrity.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Dalila Muata, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
This was a calculated attempt to terrorize people because of their faith.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
State wildlife officials have finally come up with a theory to explain how a giant, highly destructive rodent that’s been terrorizing California might have come from Oregon.
—Samantha Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
If Villanueva is elected, criminal deputy gangs will feel evermore empowered to continue to terrorize communities and abuse deputies with integrity.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize
Verb
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Several critics said the legislation introduces too many unknowns, adding that with the artificial intelligence legislation also under consideration, Connecticut is moving towards regulations that could frighten companies looking to grow in the state.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
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Lee Cronin was both flattered and frightened when Jason Blum suggested titling his The Mummy reimagining as Lee Cronin’s The Mummy.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Plus, nobody will careen past you at 110 mph, scaring you spitless.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
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If the bear gets closer, shout and act aggressively to scare it off.—
Devarrick Turner,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Monitor was always meant to be experienced with a room full of people being terrified together.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
15 Apr. 2026
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Directed by Lee Sang-min, the film stars Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won as a road-view camera crew that encounters terrifying supernatural events at a remote reservoir.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Peafowl can also disturb landscaping and startle people with their piercing screams.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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The gunfire startled sleeping guests at the Citizen Hotel, which included a wedding party and fans of the rapper Tyler the Creator, who performed at a concert hours earlier.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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