terrorize
Rule through fear
To terrorize is to fill with terror or to coerce through fear and intimidation.
Invading armies terrorize civilian populations.
A bully terrorizes the playground.
The word implies sustained or repeated acts of frightening behavior, not a single scare: The gang terrorized the neighborhood for months.
Someone who terrorizes doesn't just frighten—they dominate through fear.
Promise harm or punishment
- menaceSource of potential harm
- coerceObtain by intimidation
- tyrannizeRule by oppression
- oppressUnjustly burden or dominate
browbeat · cow · strong-arm · subjugate · domineer · bully · overawe · persecute
Intense anticipatory fear
- horrorExtreme fear or disgust
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- frightSudden intense fear
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
anxiety · phobia · nightmare · trauma · shock · apprehension · paranoia · hysteria
threaten
Promise harm or punishment
oppress · browbeat · cow · strong-arm · subjugate · domineer · bully · overawe · persecute · victimize
dread
Intense anticipatory fear
trepidation · anxiety · phobia · nightmare · trauma · shock · apprehension · paranoia · hysteria · dread
attack
Aggressive act against another
massacre · slaughter · rampage · hostage · kidnap · siege · ambush · atrocity · carnage · bloodshed
anguish
Intense mental suffering
- agonyExtreme physical or emotional pain
- sufferingSustained experience of distress
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
torture · affliction · misery · despair · ordeal · persecution · cruelty · abuse · brutality · savagery