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
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'.