n.
Pronunciation: ' ter- ə r, ' te-r ə r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French terrour, from Latin terror, from terr ē re to frighten; akin to Greek trein to be afraid, flee, tremein to tremble ― more at TREMBLE
Date: 14th century
1 : a state of intense fear
2 a : one that inspires fear : SCOURGE b : a frightening aspect <the terror s of invasion> c : a cause of anxiety : WORRY d : an appalling person or thing especially : BRAT
3 : REIGN OF TERROR
4 : violent or destructive acts (as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands <insurrection and revolutionary terror >
synonyms see FEAR
– ter · ror · less \ -l ə s \ adjective