terror
Terror is an intense, overwhelming feeling of fear or dread. It is often used to describe a state of extreme alarm caused by a specific threat or a general sense of being unsafe.
Terror is the most powerful level of fear, representing a state of paralyzing dread.
Mot en 30 secondes
- An intense, overwhelming feeling of extreme fear.
- Can describe a person or thing that causes fear.
- Often used in serious or dramatic contexts.
Summary
Terror is the most powerful level of fear, representing a state of paralyzing dread.
- An intense, overwhelming feeling of extreme fear.
- Can describe a person or thing that causes fear.
- Often used in serious or dramatic contexts.
Use with strong verbs
Pair terror with verbs like 'strike' or 'fill' to emphasize the impact. For example, say 'The loud noise struck terror into their hearts.'
Avoid overusing in casual talk
Because terror is a very strong word, using it for minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for truly frightening situations.
Historical and political usage
The term is often used in history, such as 'The Reign of Terror' during the French Revolution. It carries heavy political connotations regarding state-sponsored violence.
Exemples
4 sur 4She screamed in terror when she saw the spider.
The nation lived in terror during the war.
Stop running around, you little terror!
The psychological study explores the roots of terror.
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
Think of the word 'terror' as 'terr-ible' energy. It is the feeling of something so terrible that it freezes you in place.
Overview
Terror represents the peak of the fear spectrum. While 'fear' is a general reaction to danger, 'terror' implies a paralyzing, deep-seated emotional response that can physically affect a person, such as causing shaking, rapid heartbeat, or the inability to move. It is a powerful noun that carries significant emotional weight.
Usage Patterns
Terror is almost always used as an uncountable noun when referring to the feeling itself (e.g., 'filled with terror'). However, it can be used as a countable noun when referring to a specific person or thing that causes such fear (e.g., 'the terror of the neighborhood'). It is frequently collocated with verbs like 'strike,' 'fill,' or 'inspire.'
Common Contexts
You will often see this word in news reports regarding violence or war, in literary descriptions of horror or suspense, and in discussions about psychological states. It is also used metaphorically to describe intense frustration or annoyance caused by someone, often in a playful or hyperbolic way, such as calling a mischievous child 'a little terror.'
Similar Words: Compared to 'fear' or 'fright,' 'terror' is much stronger and more visceral. 'Panic' is similar but often implies a loss of control or a frantic reaction, whereas 'terror' focuses on the overwhelming nature of the emotion itself. Understanding the intensity is key to using the word correctly in English.
Notes d'usage
Terror is a strong, dramatic noun. It is often used in serious or formal writing, though the phrase 'little terror' is a standard informal exception. Always consider the intensity of the situation before using this word.
Erreurs courantes
Students often use 'terror' as a verb; remember it is a noun. Do not say 'He terrored me,' but rather 'He filled me with terror' or 'He terrified me.'
Astuce mémo
Think of the word 'terror' as 'terr-ible' energy. It is the feeling of something so terrible that it freezes you in place.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Latin word 'terror,' meaning 'great fear' or 'dread.' It is related to the Latin verb 'terrere,' which means to frighten.
Contexte culturel
The word is frequently associated with political movements, such as 'terrorism' or 'The Reign of Terror.' It carries a weight that implies a systematic or overwhelming threat.
Exemples
She screamed in terror when she saw the spider.
everydayThe nation lived in terror during the war.
formalStop running around, you little terror!
informalThe psychological study explores the roots of terror.
academicFamille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Reign of terror
Little terror
Strike terror
Souvent confondu avec
Horror includes a sense of disgust or shock, whereas terror is purely about the intensity of fear.
Panic often implies a sudden, frantic, and disorganized reaction, while terror is the deep emotion itself.
Modèles grammaticaux
Use with strong verbs
Pair terror with verbs like 'strike' or 'fill' to emphasize the impact. For example, say 'The loud noise struck terror into their hearts.'
Avoid overusing in casual talk
Because terror is a very strong word, using it for minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for truly frightening situations.
Historical and political usage
The term is often used in history, such as 'The Reign of Terror' during the French Revolution. It carries heavy political connotations regarding state-sponsored violence.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The sudden explosion filled the crowd with ____.
Terror is the only option that fits the context of an explosion causing extreme fear.
Score : /1
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, terror is much stronger than fear. While fear is a natural response to danger, terror implies an extreme, often paralyzing intensity.
Yes, it is common to call a naughty child a 'little terror.' This is a lighthearted, informal usage that does not imply actual danger.
It is usually uncountable when describing the feeling. It becomes countable when referring to a specific source of fear, like a person or a monster.
The adjective form is 'terrible' or 'terrifying.' 'Terrible' usually means very bad, while 'terrifying' means causing extreme fear.
