Terror — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈter-ər/ ter·ror

Meaning & Definition of Terror

Terror (noun)

  1. a state of intense or overwhelming fear
  2. violence or the threat of violence used as a weapon of intimidation or coercion; especially, violent or destructive acts (such as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands —sometimes used before another noun
  3. a very frightening or terrifying aspect

Terror (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a source of persistent emotional distress

    "after the death of her father, fear of developing cancer became one of the terrors of her life"

    similar: affliction, demon, hang-up, torment
    related: bête noire, bogey, bugaboo, bugbear, hobgoblin, ogre

  2. the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger

    "the reports of a serial killer on the loose struck terror into our hearts"

    similar: alarm, anxiety, dread, fear, fearfulness, fright, horror, panic, scare, trepidation
    related: phobia, creeps, jitters, nervousness, willies, pang, qualm, twinge, agitation, apprehension, consternation, discomposure, disquiet, funk, perturbation, concern, dismay, worry, cowardice, faintheartedness, timidity, timorousness
    near: aplomb, assurance, boldness, confidence, self-assurance, self-confidence, bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, fortitude, gallantry, hardihood, intrepidity, intrepidness, stoutness, valor, audacity, guts, nerve

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Terror

The most common words with a similar meaning to Terror:

affliction, demon, hang-up, torment, alarm, anxiety, dread, fear, fearfulness, fright, horror, panic, scare, trepidation

Related Words for Terror

bête noire, bogey, bugaboo, bugbear, hobgoblin, ogre, phobia, creeps, jitters, nervousness, willies, pang, qualm, twinge, agitation, apprehension, consternation, discomposure, disquiet, funk, perturbation, concern, dismay, worry, cowardice, faintheartedness, timidity, timorousness

Near Antonyms of Terror

aplomb, assurance, boldness, confidence, self-assurance, self-confidence, bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, fortitude, gallantry, hardihood, intrepidity, intrepidness, stoutness, valor, audacity, guts, nerve

Word Forms of Terror

Inflections: terrors

Derived words: terrorless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Terror

Middle English, from Anglo-French terrour, from Latin terror, from terrēre to frighten; akin to Greek trein to be afraid, flee, tremein to tremble tremble

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Terror

Words & Phrases Containing Terror

night terror, reign of terror, holy terror, counterterror, hold no terror(s)

Frequently Asked Questions about Terror

What does "Terror" mean?

"Terror" means a state of intense or overwhelming fear. As a noun, it is defined as: a state of intense or overwhelming fear. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Terror"?

Other words for "Terror" include affliction, demon, hang-up, torment, alarm, anxiety, dread and fear. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Terror" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Terror"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Terror". Common alternatives include affliction, demon, hang-up, torment, alarm, anxiety, dread, fear, fearfulness and fright.

How do you use "Terror" in a sentence?

Examples of "Terror" in a sentence: "after the death of her father, fear of developing cancer became one of the terrors of her life"; "the reports of a serial killer on the loose struck terror into our hearts".

Is "Terror" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Terror" is a noun.

Is "Terror" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Terror" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Terror"?

"Terror" is pronounced /ˈter-ər/ and divided into syllables as ter·ror.

What is the origin of the word "Terror"?

"Terror" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French terrour, from Latin terror, from terrēre to frighten; akin to Greek trein to be afraid, flee, tremein to tremble tremble. First known use: 15th century.