Terrorize/ˈterəraɪz/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Threat Implication Often implies use of threats or violence to instill intense fear. The extremists were known to terrorize entire neighborhoods. Pro Tip 2/3Extended Fear The fear caused is not momentary but prolonged over a period of time. The ruthless dictator terrorized his country for decades. Pro Tip 3/3Not Actual Horror Does not necessarily mean to cause horror, more often a state of extreme fear. Criminals often terrorize witnesses to prevent them from testifying.