n. 1 extreme fear. 2 a a person or thing that causes terror. b (also holy terror) colloq. a formidable person; a troublesome person or thing (the twins are little terrors). 3 the use of organized intimidation; terrorism. reign of terror a period of remorseless repression or bloodshed, esp. a period of the French Revolution 1793-4. terror-stricken (or -struck) affected with terror.
[ ME f. OF terrour f. L terror -oris f. terrere frighten ]