as in to frighten
to strike with fear
thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of terrorize
Escalating violence Sydney’s western suburbs are ground zero for a turf war that’s seen criminal gangs shoot up rivals’ homes, ignite cars and businesses, kidnap and kill associates and terrorize their families.
—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
But his journey from shining shoes in the slums to terrorizing defenses in the world’s biggest stadiums relies too heavily on the flashy montage to pack an emotional punch.
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Jon O'Brien,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Arnold appeared remotely during the brief hearing, where he was charged with three counts of robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon for less than $750 and three counts of kidnapping to harm or terrorize, all of which are first-degree felonies.
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Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2026
Maxwell is being charged with breaking and entering a building to terrorize, injury to real property and resisting an officer, officials said.
—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
But his journey from shining shoes in the slums to terrorizing defenses in the world’s biggest stadiums relies too heavily on the flashy montage to pack an emotional punch.
—
Jon O'Brien,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Arnold appeared remotely during the brief hearing, where he was charged with three counts of robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon for less than $750 and three counts of kidnapping to harm or terrorize, all of which are first-degree felonies.
—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2026
Maxwell is being charged with breaking and entering a building to terrorize, injury to real property and resisting an officer, officials said.
—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize
Verb
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At the time of writing, as the Marine Traffic map shows, tanker traffic is barely moving through the Strait, and many ships, unable to obtain insurance or with their owners frightened at the level of risk involved, are refusing to advance.
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But because the president has frightened Congress, Congress doesn’t raise its voice when the president puts his Albert Speer–like building project, or intends to, on Congress’s land.
Verb
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There was one American flag sign lit, with some storefront decor gleaming red, white and blue, but the heat seemingly scared most away from celebrating July 4 before Saturday's big day.
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Johnson says Monday was her first time on the Wild Mouse attraction; however, the experience did not scare her away from the park.
Verb
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Should Hentges have chosen unemployment instead of a contract because the Giants play in San Francisco and their organization is terrified of people like Slusser?
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While the Fourth of July can be a ton of fun, loud fireworks and firecrackers can terrify pets — and concern their owners.
Verb
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The mobile phone alert startled many across the city-state of Dubai, the first such alert since the interim ceasefire.
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Lansley said she has been startled by how chatbots can appear to display emotional intelligence.
Cite this Entry
“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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