terror

Everyday

1. Very great fear: They screamed in terror. tree →
2. Something or someone that causes great fear. tree →
3. Violence used to frighten people, usually for political aims (terrorism): a terror attack. tree →
4. (informal) A naughty, wild child: Their toddler is a little terror! tree →

In the lessons

In stories «terror» shows the strongest fear: «frozen with terror». In news it is linked to terrorism, which children can talk about with trusted adults. In everyday family talk «a little terror» is a fond name for a naughty child.

Examples

• The mouse froze in terror when it saw the cat. tree →
• She ran from the dog in terror. tree →
• The storm brought terror to the small village. tree →
• The news reported a terror attack. tree →
• My little cousin is a real terror at bedtime! tree →
• The pirates were the terror of the seas. tree →
• The command struck terror among the beasts. tree →

Note

Adjective: terrible, terrifying; verb: terrify; noun: terrorist, terrorism. Terror is stronger than fear or fright. «A little terror» about a child is affectionate.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it is a fear sent by God, or the dread of God's mighty acts that makes enemies afraid.

Interpretation. A terror from God protects Jacob's family, and the terror of the Exodus shows God's power; tradition sees fear of God as defending Israel.

Examples

• and in all the mighty hand, and in all the great terror, which Moses wrought in the sight of all Israel. (Torah DEU.34.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Without shall the sword bereave, and in the chambers terror; slaying both young man and virgin, the suckling with the man of gray hairs. (Torah DEU.32.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they journeyed; and a terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. (Torah GEN.35.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Round about his teeth is terror. (Writings JOB.41.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• They are wholly consumed by terrors. (Writings PSA.73.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• At eventide behold terror; and before the morning they are not. (Prophets ISA.17.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective: terrible, terrifying; verb: terrify; noun: terrorist, terrorism. Terror is stronger than fear or fright. «A little terror» about a child is affectionate.