Terror

Definition

Terror refers to extreme fear or the things that instill such fear.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛrər/
• Respelling: TER-er (with "TER" as in "terrible" and "er" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛrə/
• Respelling: TER-uh (similar to American English, with "TER" as in "terrible" and "uh" as a softer, more open ending, akin to the 'a' in "sofa")

In both dialects, "terror" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TER." The main difference lies in the pronunciation of the final syllable: in American English, it's pronounced with a more pronounced "r" sound, while in British English, the final "r" is less pronounced, making the ending softer.

Etymology

The word "terror" derives from the Middle French terreur, which is sourced from Latin terror, from terrēre meaning 'to frighten'.

Derivatives

• Terrorize (verb)
• Terrorization (noun)
• Terrorist (noun)
• Terrorism (noun)
• Terroristic (adjective)

Synonyms

• Horror
• Fright
• Dread

Antonyms

• Comfort
• Assurance
• Tranquility

Usage

• Terror is often used to describe a state of extreme fear.
• It can also refer to a person, thing or event that instills extreme fear.

Related Terms

• Terrorize
• Terrorism
• Dread

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Extreme Fear: An intense, sharp fear.
• Example: The thunderstorm caused terror among the small children.

• Cause of Fear: Something or someone that causes intense fear.
• Example: The tyrant was a terror to the people.

• Violence or Threat for Political Purpose: Violence or the threat of violence, especially bombing, kidnapping, and assassination, committed for political purposes.
• Example: The country has been grappling with domestic terror for years.