[ter.ror] n [ME, fr. MF terreur, fr. L terror, fr. terrere to frighten; akin to Gk trein to be afraid, flee, tremein to tremble--more at tremble] (14c) 1: a state of intense fear
2. a: one that inspires fear: scourge b: a frightening aspect "the ~s of invasion" c: a cause of anxiety: worry d: an appalling person or thing; esp: brat
3: reign of terror
4: violence (as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands "insurrection and revolutionary ~" syn see fear -- ter.ror.less adj