as in to frighten
to strike with fear
thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of terrorize
Voters can say no to giving rogue police officers full immunity to terrorize us.
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Melissa Noel, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
Although others had been terrorized in Brownsville, Williams was the only voting rights advocate killed in the town that summer.
—Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
One of the reasons for that is the stunning work from Naomi Scott as a pop singer who’s terrorized by what is basically an emotional parasite, a supernatural force that feeds on fear, trauma, anxiety, and mental illness.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
The Red Ghost The Red Ghost is a legendary figure from Arizona's Wild West days, a mysterious creature that terrorized the rugged desert in the late 19th century.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrorize 
Melissa Noel, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024
Although others had been terrorized in Brownsville, Williams was the only voting rights advocate killed in the town that summer.
—Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
One of the reasons for that is the stunning work from Naomi Scott as a pop singer who’s terrorized by what is basically an emotional parasite, a supernatural force that feeds on fear, trauma, anxiety, and mental illness.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
The Red Ghost The Red Ghost is a legendary figure from Arizona's Wild West days, a mysterious creature that terrorized the rugged desert in the late 19th century.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize
Verb
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But Hanks does commendable supporting work as a nerdy FBI agent on Abagnale’s trail — essentially playing the sort of conventional square whose mediocre life frightens the restless, rootless Abagnale.Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
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There is little evidence wolves frighten elk merely by their presence, the authors say.ByVirginia Morell, science.org, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
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Vladimir Putin’s nuclear saber-rattling is scaring investors SURPRISING DISCOVERIES AI models watch TV just like people.Melvin Backman, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
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The record-high prices last year might have scared away some fans from attending, but the Las Vegas Grand Prix and hotels around the track have made some adjustments this year, hoping to bring out an even larger crowd.Sunny Tsai, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Zoom out: Human rights advocates see President-elect Trump's win as a major cause for alarm, terrified that federal legislation will follow suit of some states by threatening access to gender-affirming care, workplace protections and participation in sports.Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
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Grace was losing it: her peace, her grip, her ability to stand upright after spending so long hunched over and terrified.Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Not wanting to startle the boy, Green turned his phone to face him with trees in the backdrop.Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024
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According to Benson and Bertone, the most common pantry pests include: Cigarette beetles are 1/8-inch brownish bugs with a long rounded to oval shape; when startled, the adults tuck in their head and legs and remain still.Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near terrorize
Cite this Entry
“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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