as in scaring
to strike with fear
thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes
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Recent Examples of terrorizing
Brooks also relished his role as a class clown, terrorizing his teachers and leaving his friends gasping with laughter.
—
Adrienne Lafrance,
The Atlantic,
28 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
Entomologist Amy Murillo shared a rare, up-close look at the flesh-eating fly now terrorizing cattle and dairy farmers.
—
Kara Finnstrom,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
So maybe a side trip to Joel and Tommy terrorizing the countryside.
—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
That's not to say there's nothing worth redeeming in this version of the story of a criminal stalking and terrorizing the lawyer who once defended him.
—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
According to the biblical account in 1 Samuel 17, Goliath was a giant terrorizing Israel and King Saul’s entire army.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
23 May 2026
Franck may have good reasons to be terrorizing Nora’s family, but explaining them away only flattens his character as the titular party plays out like your average hostage scenario, with a few negligible tweaks and flourishes.
—
Beatrice Loayza,
Variety,
22 May 2026
Trump is terrorizing our immigrant communities.
—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adrienne Lafrance,
The Atlantic,
28 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
Entomologist Amy Murillo shared a rare, up-close look at the flesh-eating fly now terrorizing cattle and dairy farmers.
—
Kara Finnstrom,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
So maybe a side trip to Joel and Tommy terrorizing the countryside.
—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
That's not to say there's nothing worth redeeming in this version of the story of a criminal stalking and terrorizing the lawyer who once defended him.
—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
According to the biblical account in 1 Samuel 17, Goliath was a giant terrorizing Israel and King Saul’s entire army.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
23 May 2026
Franck may have good reasons to be terrorizing Nora’s family, but explaining them away only flattens his character as the titular party plays out like your average hostage scenario, with a few negligible tweaks and flourishes.
—
Beatrice Loayza,
Variety,
22 May 2026
Trump is terrorizing our immigrant communities.
—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorizing
Verb
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Suddenly the seller is tiptoeing, managing the buyer's mood, terrified of saying the wrong thing and scaring them off.
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Two earthquakes jolted Venezuela with one-two punch on Wednesday, damaging buildings and scaring people who felt the violent shaking.
Verb
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Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.
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This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.
Verb
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Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is breathtaking and also terrifying with a 4-year-old along.
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Facing the endless Cylon onslaught in the void of space is terrifying even in 2D battles, but many of Scattered Hopes' gut punches happen during unexpected narrative events or tough choices that doom entire ship populations.
Cite this Entry
“Terrorizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorizing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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