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
Each one is meant to terrorize — to silence not just me, but anyone who dares take action to end gun violence.
—
Bob Morgan, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
More Family being ‘violently’ stalked finds knife, note on doorstep in CA, feds say
In Southern California, a family was terrorized by threatening calls and found a knife and note on their doorstep, the FBI says.
—Miami Herald, 4 July 2025
The 2005 film incarnation terrorized moviegoers with menacing aliens bent on destroying everything in their path, including one very young and very scared Dakota Fanning.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 July 2025
But there's no denying the force of those would-be Fingers of God that terrorize the prairie, scooping up houses, tanker trucks, and, best of all, a mooing steer.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Bob Morgan, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
More Family being ‘violently’ stalked finds knife, note on doorstep in CA, feds say
In Southern California, a family was terrorized by threatening calls and found a knife and note on their doorstep, the FBI says.
—Miami Herald, 4 July 2025
The 2005 film incarnation terrorized moviegoers with menacing aliens bent on destroying everything in their path, including one very young and very scared Dakota Fanning.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 July 2025
But there's no denying the force of those would-be Fingers of God that terrorize the prairie, scooping up houses, tanker trucks, and, best of all, a mooing steer.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize
Verb
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Stink bugs tend to drop when frightened, so fill a cup with soapy water and hold it under the stink bug.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
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What starts as a simple favor to keep her great-niece turns into a wild Halloween night filled with jump scares and pranks — but as usual, nothing frightens her more than bad manners and disrespect. Boo 2!—
Jane LaCroix,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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There’s a thread of carbolic soap, though not enough to scare away those even moderately familiar with smoky Islay Scotch.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Officials used horns, sirens and lights to scare the dogs away from Culbertson, according to KC Pet Project documents obtained by The Star.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Chuck Schumer is terrified, but that's the reality of where Democrats are today.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
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The trauma of the killings left her terrified to close her eyes and sleeping in her mom’s bed for reassurance no one would harm her.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Many dogs and other pets were startled by the noise and ran away, shelter officials said, and good Samaritans found them and brought them to shelters.—
Marcus D. Smith
July 7,
Sacbee.com,
7 July 2025
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On June 2, the heart of Sicily—Mount Etna—experienced a volcanic eruption that startled tourists, summoned emergency alerts, and shot lava and ash high into the sky.—
Erica Firpo,
AFAR Media,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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