terrorize (B2)
verb
Pronunciation: /ˈtɛrəˌraɪz/
Definition
To deliberately and repeatedly frighten or intimidate someone or a group of people, often to control or harm them.
Examples
The rebels threatened to terrorize the city if their demands were not met.
He was accused of using his power to terrorize his employees.
The constant threat of violence began to terrorize the villagers.
How to Use terrorize
- terrorize into [doing something] (prepositional phrase)
- To use fear to force someone to do something. — "They tried to terrorize the villagers into leaving their homes."
- terrorize [someone] (collocation)
- To make a specific person or group feel extreme fear. — "The escaped convict continued to terrorize the small town."
- terrorize with [something] (prepositional phrase)
- To use a specific method or object to instill fear. — "The dictator's regime used public executions to terrorize with brutality."
Synonyms of terrorize
Words with a similar meaning to terrorize:
Antonyms of terrorize
Words with the opposite meaning to terrorize:
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