terror
terror Lexical Profile
terror Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An overwhelming, extreme feeling of fear or anxiety.
"The sudden earthquake caused widespread panic and a deep sense of terror among the local residents."
The use of extreme fear and violent intimidation to coerce a population or achieve political objectives.
"The dictator maintained absolute control over the country by ruling through a campaign of terror."
A person, object, or force that causes extreme dread or apprehension.
"During the colonial era, the pirate ship was recognized as the terror of the surrounding seas."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'terror' typically describes an extreme, anticipatory state of fear or dread, 'horror' frequently refers to the intense feeling of revulsion or shock experienced after witnessing something disturbing.
• Rhymes for terror
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old French 'terreur', which came from the Latin 'terror' meaning 'great fear or dread', derived from the verb 'terrere', meaning 'to frighten'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.