terror

noun

ter·​ror ˈter-ər How to pronounce terror (audio)
ˈte-rər
plural terrors
1
: a state of intense or overwhelming fear
overcome by terror
people fleeing the scene in terror
He lived in terror of being caught.
2
: violence or the threat of violence used as a weapon of intimidation or coercion
a regime that rules by terror
especially : violent or destructive acts (such as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands
an act of terror
the war on terror
sometimes used before another noun
a terror attack
3
: a very frightening or terrifying aspect
the terrors of war
4
a
: someone or something that inspires fear : scourge
I stood before fierce Mrs. Mabel Johnston, his secretary and the terror of the office.Russell Baker
Before rifles were available to Eskimo hunters, bears were truly the terror of their existence.Charles T. Feazel
b
informal : an extremely disruptive or annoying person or thing
especially : a misbehaving child : brat
Their son is a little terror.
5
terrorless
ˈter-ər-ləs How to pronounce terror (audio)
ˈte-rər-
adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for terror

fear, dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger.

fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

Examples of terror in a Sentence

The sound of guns being fired fills me with terror. Many civilians fled in terror. a terror that is still fresh in her memory the terrors of life in the jungle a regime that rules by terror bombings and other acts of terror These people have been living with terror and the threat of terror for many years. a campaign of terror against ethnic minority groups
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Riley's sister Lauren Phillips talked about Riley's terror during her final moments. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024 The songs add extra joy and vigor to a take if tragedy and terror (and Jai being extremely dramatic about his love life), with dance performances by Hema Malini and a Holi celebration. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024 Iran possessing nukes represents an existential threat to Israel’s security in a way that terror groups—despite their horrific actions—simply never did. Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024 The suit details Iran's embrace of various terror groups dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Louis Casiano, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terror 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French terrour, from Latin terror, from terrēre to frighten; akin to Greek trein to be afraid, flee, tremein to tremble — more at tremble

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terror was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near terror

Cite this Entry

“Terror.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terror. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

terror

noun
ter·​ror ˈter-ər How to pronounce terror (audio)
1
: a state of great fear
2
: a cause of great fear
3
a
: a dreadful person or thing
b
informal : an unruly child
4
: violent or destructive acts (as bombing) committed by a group as a way of achieving its goals

Legal Definition

terror

noun
ter·​ror
: an intense fear of physical injury or death
inflict terror by forced entry or unlawful assembly
also : the infliction of such fear
an act of terror

More from Merriam-Webster on terror

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!