Definition

To make someone very afraid or scared, often by using threats or violence.

Example

The bully tried to terrorize the younger students at school.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that haunted house everyone is talking about?

Yeah, I heard some people got really scared and felt like they were being terrorized.

I can't believe people would pay to be terrorized like that!

I guess some people love the thrill of fear!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Terrorize → It is formed from "terror" (from Latin "terror", meaning great fear) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word "terrorize" means to make someone experience great fear or to instill terror in them.

Memory Tip

Think of 'terror' as great fear and remember that 'terrorize' means to make someone feel that fear.

Visually Confused Words