terror

/ˈter-ər/

Middle English, from Anglo-French terrour, from Latin terror, from terrēre to frighten; akin to Greek trein to be afraid, flee, tremein to tremble

noun

  1. a state of intense or overwhelming fear

  2. violence or the threat of violence used as a weapon of intimidation or coercion; especially : violent or destructive acts (such as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands —sometimes used before another noun

  3. a very frightening or terrifying aspect

overcome by terror

fear dread fright alarm panic terror trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

noun

  1. a sudden awakening in dazed terror that occurs in children during slow-wave sleep, is often preceded by a sudden shrill cry uttered in sleep, and is not remembered when the child awakes —usually used in plural

noun phrase

  1. a state or a period of time marked by violence often committed by those in power that produces widespread terror