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Terror Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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terror

[หˆterษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fear

Extreme fear; a person or thing that causes extreme fear; violence or threats used to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes.

Synonyms

dread, fear, horror, intimidation, panic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
terror

Use this word when describing an intense and overwhelming feeling of fear, typically caused by violence or threats. Often associated with acts of terrorism or brutal situations.

  • The villagers lived in terror of the marauding bandits.
  • A wave of terror swept through the city after the bombing.
fear

The word 'fear' can be used in a wide range of situations, from mild anxiety to intense fright. It is a general term for the feeling caused by a threat or danger.

  • He has a fear of heights.
  • She couldn't hide her fear when the dog started barking aggressively.
horror

Best used when describing a feeling of shock and fear due to something extremely disturbing or violent. 'Horror' often implies an element of revulsion as well.

  • The horror of the accident left everyone in shock.
  • She froze in horror as the haunted house came to life.
panic

Use 'panic' to describe a sudden, uncontrollable fear that causes wildly unthinking behavior. It often happens in emergency or stressful situations.

  • A fire broke out, causing widespread panic in the theater.
  • She felt a moment of panic when she realized she had lost her wallet.
dread

This word is best used when talking about a strong feeling of fear or anxiety concerning a future event or situation. It focuses more on anticipation rather than the event itself.

  • She felt a sense of dread as the exam results day approached.
  • There was a feeling of dread in the air as the storm clouds gathered.
intimidation

This word should be used when referring to the act of making someone feel frightened or overawed, often through subtle threats or displays of power. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • The bully used intimidation to control his peers.
  • The intimidating presence of the guard made them uneasy.

Examples of usage

  • The people were in a state of terror after the bomb explosion.
  • The horror movie filled her with terror.
  • The terrorist attack was a brutal act of terror.
  • The government used terror to suppress dissent.
  • The dictator ruled with terror and fear.
Context #2 | Noun

great excitement

Intense or overwhelming excitement or emotion, often negative.

Synonyms

elation, euphoria, excitement, exhilaration, thrill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
terror

Use this word when describing extreme fear, often associated with danger or horror.

  • She was paralyzed with terror when she saw the shadowy figure in the alley
  • The movie's scenes of terror kept everyone on the edge of their seats
excitement

This word is useful for describing a feeling of enthusiasm and eagerness about something positive or fun.

  • There was a buzz of excitement in the air as the concert was about to start
  • The children couldn't hide their excitement on Christmas morning
thrill

Use this word to describe a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure, often from something adventurous or daring.

  • He felt a thrill when he went skydiving for the first time
  • The thrill of the chase is what drives many adventurers
elation

This word describes a feeling of great happiness and exhilaration, often from success or a positive event.

  • Her elation was evident when she received the promotion
  • The team's win filled the fans with elation
euphoria

Refers to an intense feeling of happiness and well-being, often more extreme than elation.

  • After finishing the marathon, he was in a state of euphoria
  • The announcement of their engagement brought a wave of euphoria over the couple
exhilaration

Describes a feeling of being invigorated or extremely happy, often from a thrilling experience or success.

  • The roller coaster ride gave them a sense of exhilaration
  • Winning the championship filled the athlete with exhilaration

Examples of usage

  • The fans were in a state of terror as their team scored the winning goal.
  • She felt a rush of terror as she approached the stage to perform.
  • The news of the upcoming concert caused a wave of terror among the fans.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing prolonged terror can affect mental health, leading to anxiety or trauma.
  • In psychology, the fight or flight response is triggered by situations that induce terror.
  • Children often perceive things as more terrifying than adults, influenced by imagination and developmental factors.

Pop Culture

  • Terror is a common theme in horror films, often used to evoke suspense and fear.
  • Books like 'Terror at the Airport' explore the concepts of fear in modern contexts.
  • Popular video games often use the feeling of terror to engage players, making them feel anxious or scared.

Historical Context

  • During the French Revolution, 'The Reign of Terror' was a significant period marked by public executions and widespread panic.
  • The term has been politically charged, often used in reference to acts that instill fear in society, such as terrorism.
  • In the 19th century, literature began to explore themes of terror, showcasing societal fears of the unknown.

Origin of 'terror'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'terror', which means fright or fear.
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe extreme fear.
  • Related words include 'terrify' and 'terrible', both emphasizing strong feelings.

The word 'terror' originated from the Latin word 'terror', meaning 'great fear'. It has been used throughout history to describe extreme fear, violence, or intimidation. The concept of terror has been prevalent in various forms, from political terrorism to natural disasters, and has had a significant impact on societies worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,812, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.