terror Definition
- 1extreme fear
- 2violence or the threat of violence used as a means of coercion or intimidation, especially for political purposes
Using terror: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "terror" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The sound of gunfire filled the streets with terror.
Example
The terrorist attack caused widespread terror and panic.
Example
She felt a sense of terror when she realized she was lost in the woods.
Example
The government used terror to control the population.
terror Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using terror
Example
The sudden loud noise scared me to death.
Example
After years of experience, public speaking holds no terror for her.
Example
The thought of being stranded in the middle of the ocean strikes terror into my heart.
Phrases with terror
a global military campaign launched by the United States government after the September 11 attacks to eliminate al-Qaeda and other militant organizations
Example
The war on terror has been ongoing for nearly two decades.
Example
The city was on high alert after a terror attack was foiled by the police.
Example
The authorities arrested several members of a terror cell that was planning an attack on a government building.
Origins of terror
from Old French 'terreur', from Latin 'terror', meaning 'great fear'
Summary: terror in Brief
The term 'terror' [ˈterər] refers to extreme fear or violence used as a means of coercion or intimidation. It can be caused by events such as terrorist attacks or personal experiences like getting lost in the woods. The phrase 'war on terror' denotes a global military campaign against militant organizations, while 'terror cell' refers to a group of individuals who plan and carry out acts of terrorism. Idioms like 'scare/frighten someone to death' and 'strike terror into someone's heart' describe the intensity of fear.