Terrorized: meaning, definitions and examples
😱
terrorized
[ˈtɛrəˌraɪzd ]
Definition
causing fear
To terrorize someone means to create intense fear and anxiety in that person or group. This can occur through threats, intimidation, or violent actions. The act of terrorizing can be used to exert power or control over others. It is often associated with the use of fear as a tactic in warfare or criminal behavior.
Synonyms
bully, frighten, intimidate, scare, threaten.
Examples of usage
- The bullies terrorized the younger students at school.
- During the invasion, many civilians were terrorized by the attacking forces.
- The serial killer terrorized the entire community.
- They felt terrorized by the constant harassment.
- The dictator terrorized the population to maintain control.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- The word originates from the Latin 'terror', meaning great fear, and became more commonly used in English during the 14th century.
- The French Revolution saw the term 'Reign of Terror' used to describe a period of extreme violence and fear caused by political upheaval.
- Various governments have employed terror as a tactic to control or manipulate populations throughout history, affecting societal perceptions of safety.
Psychology
- Experiencing feeling of being terrorized can lead to long-term psychological effects, such as anxiety or PTSD.
- The brain's amygdala is a critical player in fear and terror responses, triggering a fight-or-flight reaction that can overwhelm rational thought.
- Children exposed to terrifying situations may develop heightened fear responses or anxiety disorders later in life.
Literature
- Many classic horror stories, such as Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein', use the theme of terror to explore human fears and morality.
- Edgar Allan Poe, renowned for his work in gothic literature, often portrayed characters submerged in a state of acute terror from the unknown.
- Contemporary thrillers, like Stephen King’s novels, often evoke terror through psychological suspense and unexpected twists.
Media and Pop Culture
- Terrorized themes are commonly found in horror films, where characters face overwhelming fear from supernatural or violent entities.
- Video games, especially in the survival horror genre, immerse players in terrifying scenarios and evoke strong emotional responses.
- The 'Terror' genre in literature and film often highlights societal fears, reflecting real-world issues through a lens of horror.
Sociopolitical Use
- The term can describe states of fear imposed by political regimes, creating an environment where dissent is crushed by intimidation.
- Acts of terrorism are intended to strike terror into the hearts of individuals or communities, often to achieve ideological aims.
- Fear tactics and manipulation often appear in propaganda, aiming to create a culture of compliance and fear regarding authority.
Translations
Translations of the word "terrorized" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aterrorizado
🇮🇳 आतंकित
🇩🇪 terrorisiert
🇮🇩 terorisasi
🇺🇦 тероризований
🇵🇱 teroryzowany
🇯🇵 テロにさらされた
🇫🇷 terrorisé
🇪🇸 aterrorizado
🇹🇷 terörize olmuş
🇰🇷 공포에 질린
🇸🇦 مُرعَب
🇨🇿 terorizovaný
🇸🇰 terorizovaný
🇨🇳 恐怖的
🇸🇮 teroriziran
🇮🇸 skelfinguður
🇰🇿 қорқытылған
🇬🇪 ტერორიზებული
🇦🇿 terrorize edilmiş
🇲🇽 aterrorizado