terror

[ter-er]

noun

1. intense, sharp, overmastering fear.

   to be frantic with terror.

   Synonyms: consternation, dismay, alarm
   Antonyms: calm

2. an instance or cause of intense fear or anxiety; quality of causing terror.

   to be a terror to evildoers.

3. any period of frightful violence or bloodshed likened to the Reign of Terror in France.

4. violence or threats of violence used for intimidation or coercion; terrorism.

5. Informal.,  a person or thing that is especially annoying or unpleasant.

terror

/ ˈtɛrə /

noun

1. great fear, panic, or dread

2. a person or thing that inspires great dread

3. informal,  a troublesome person or thing, esp a child

4. terrorism

Other Word Forms

• terrorful adjective
• terrorless adjective
• counterterror noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of terror¹

First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin, equivalent to terrēre “to frighten” + -or -or ¹; replacing Middle English terrour, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of terror¹

C14: from Old French terreur, from Latin terror, from terrēre to frighten; related to Greek trein to run away in terror

Idioms and Phrases

see holy terror.

Synonym Study

Terror, horror, panic, fright all imply extreme fear in the presence of danger or evil. Terror implies an intense fear that is somewhat prolonged and may refer to imagined or future dangers: frozen with terror. Horror implies a sense of shock at a danger that is also evil, and the danger may be to others rather than to oneself: to recoil in horror. Panic and fright both imply a sudden shock of fear. Fright is usually of short duration: a spasm of fright. Panic is uncontrolled and unreasoning fear, often groundless, that may be prolonged: The mob was in a panic.

Example Sentences

And he added that Hamas, a designated terror group in the UK, could play "no part" in any future Palestinian state.

From BBC

The Israeli military said its forces were "dismantling terror infrastructure and eliminating terrorists" in Gaza City.

From BBC

"While people celebrated a baptism ceremony, gunmen opened fire, sowing death and terror," local civil rights activist Maikoul Zodi said on social media.

From BBC

Earlier, it announced that it had struck more than 150 "terror targets" across Gaza City in two days.

From BBC

Between 2019 and 2021, he was referred to the government's counter-extremism service Prevent three times by teachers concerned at comments he had made, and internet searches for topics including "school shootings" and terror attacks.

From BBC

Related Words

• anxiety 
• awe 
• dread 
• horror 
• intimidation 
• panic 
• shock