Terrorise Definition and Meaning
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on July 21, 2025
Terrorise means to create and maintain a state of extreme fear and distress in (someone); intimidate greatly. e.g., The bandits terrorised the small village for months.
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Terrorise Definitions
To fill someone with extreme fear by using threats or violence.
The dictator used his forces to terrorise the opposition.
To dominate or coerce by inciting terror.
The warlord terrorised the countryside, leaving devastation in his wake.
To use intimidation to control or manipulate others.
Criminal gangs often terrorise local businesses for protection money.
To instigate a state of fear in someone to achieve compliance.
The authoritarian regime terrorised dissidents into submission.
To cause persistent worry or fear in an individual or group.
The constant threats terrorised the community.
ADVERTISEMENT
To spread alarm and dread as a method of control.
Through her network, she terrorised rivals to maintain her power.
To engage in acts that instill widespread panic.
Terrorists aim to terrorise populations to further their causes.
To cause severe distress by threatening harm or violence.
The serial criminal terrorised the city for years.
To frighten or subdue someone through repeated threats.
He terrorised his classmates into silence.
To inflict terror for the purpose of domination.
The invasion force terrorised the nation into surrendering.
To inflict someone with terror; to terrify.
To coerce (someone) by using threats or violence.
Coerce by violence or with threats
Fill with terror; frighten greatly
Terrorise Snonyms
Threaten
To state one's intention to take harmful action against someone in retribution for something done or not done.
He threatened to reveal secrets if they did not comply.
Frighten
To make someone afraid or anxious.
The loud noises during the storm frightened the pets.
Scare
To cause fear in someone.
They used scary masks to scare the trespassers away.
Menace
To threaten, especially in a malignant or hostile manner.
The gang menaced the neighborhood.
Intimidate
To frighten or overawe someone, especially in order to make them do what one wants.
The bully tried to intimidate the younger children into giving him their lunch money.
Alarm
To cause someone to feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger.
The outbreak of the virus alarmed the entire city.
Terrify
To fill someone with extreme fear.
The thought of getting lost in the forest terrified her.
Bully
To seek to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable.
He was known to bully younger students at school.
Unnerve
To make someone lose courage or confidence.
The unexpected exam unnerved the students.
Subjugate
To bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
The empire subjugated its colonies through military might.
Terrorise Example Sentences
The villain's plan was to terrorise the city into chaos.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide terrorise into syllables?
"Terrorise" is divided into syllables as: ter-ro-rise.
How many syllables are in terrorise?
There are three syllables in "terrorise."
What is a stressed syllable in terrorise?
The stressed syllable in "terrorise" is the first syllable: ter.
How is terrorise used in a sentence?
"Terrorise" is used as a verb to describe the act of inflicting severe fear or distress, often through threats or violence. e.g., The tyrant would often terrorise his subjects to enforce his rules.
What is the root word of terrorise?
The root word of "terrorise" is "terror," which refers to extreme fear.
What is the singular form of terrorise?
"Terrorise" as a verb does not change; it remains "terrorise" in its singular form.
Why is it called terrorise?
The term "terrorise" comes from the Latin word "terror," meaning "fright" or "great fear." It describes the act of deliberately inflicting extreme fear on others, often to achieve some kind of control or power.
What is the verb form of terrorise?
"Terrorise" itself is the base form of the verb. The third person singular is "terrorises," the present participle is "terrorising," and the past and past participle form is "terrorised."
What part of speech is terrorise?
"Terrorise" is a verb.
What is the third form of terrorise?
The third form of "terrorise" is also "terrorised."
What is the second form of terrorise?
The second form of "terrorise" is "terrorised."
What is the plural form of terrorise?
As a verb, "terrorise" does not have a plural form. When conjugated in the third person singular present tense, it becomes "terrorises."
What is the pronunciation of terrorise?
Terrorise is pronounced as /ˈter.ə.raɪz/.
What is the first form of terrorise?
The first form of "terrorise" is "terrorise."
What is another term for terrorise?
Another term for "terrorise" is "intimidate."
Is terrorise a noun or adjective?
"Terrorise" is a verb.
Is terrorise a negative or positive word?
"Terrorise" is a negative word as it involves causing fear and distress.
What is the opposite of terrorise?
The opposite of "terrorise" could be "comfort" or "reassure."
Is the word terrorise a Gerund?
Yes, when used in its "-ing" form, "terrorising" serves as a gerund, e.g., "Terrorising innocent people is unjustifiable."
Is the word “terrorise” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Terrorise" is a verb and thus neither a direct object nor an indirect object; however, it can take both in sentences, e.g., "The regime terrorised them (indirect object) into compliance (direct object)."
Is the word terrorise imperative?
"Terrorise" can be used in the imperative mood in commands or requests, e.g., "Do not terrorise your opponents."
Which determiner is used with terrorise?
As a verb, "terrorise" does not use a determiner.
Is terrorise an adverb?
No, "terrorise" is not an adverb; it is a verb.
Is terrorise an abstract noun?
"Terrorise" is not a noun; it is a verb.
Is terrorise a vowel or consonant?
The word "terrorise" starts with the consonant sound "t."
Is terrorise a countable noun?
"Terrorise" is not a noun; it is a verb.
Is terrorise a collective noun?
"Terrorise" is not a noun; it is a verb.
Is the terrorise term a metaphor?
"Terrorise" can be used metaphorically to describe actions that profoundly instill fear, although it is typically used in a literal context.
Which vowel is used before terrorise?
There isn't a specific vowel used consistently before "terrorise"; it depends on the context of the sentence.
Which preposition is used with terrorise?
Common prepositions used with "terrorise" include "into" and "against," depending on the context.
Which conjunction is used with terrorise?
Conjunctions are not specific to "terrorise" and depend on sentence structure.
Which article is used with terrorise?
As a verb, "terrorise" does not take an article.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Term
Bringing Definition and Meaning
Next Term
Monthsary Definition and MeaningAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
