in terrorem

adverb or adjective

in ter·​ror·​em

ˌin-te-ˈrōr-əm, -em

: by way of threat or intimidation : serving or intended to threaten or intimidate

overbroad covenants not to compete which have in terrorem effect on employees

—J. D. Calamari and J. M. Perillo

Note: In terrorem is most commonly used to describe a condition in a will that threatens an heir with forfeiture if he or she challenges the validity of the will.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, so as to produce terror