Search from various English teachers...
peng
What's the difference between "terrify" and "terrorize"?
“ Can I just terrify them into supporting me by threatening them with death? ”
“You can’t personally go around and terrorize everyone.”
Can I exchange "terrify" and "terrorize" in these two sentences?
Jan 5, 2012 3:05 AM
Answers · 4
In some cases, terrify can be replaced by terrorize. One of the meanings of terrorize is to terrify. However, terrorize has another meaning, one that cannot be replaced with terrify. If someone intentionally forces or coerces a victim to do something (or not to do something) , then they have terrorized the victim. That act cannot be replaced with terrify, even though the victim can be said to be terrified by the act.
In short, if a person is just frightened or horrified, they have been terrified and terrorized. If they have been coerced by threats or action, they have been terrorized, but not terrified (in the same sense).
January 5, 2012
Mao terrorized the people.
A scary movie terrifies you.
You can't use "terrify" in your sentence.
January 5, 2012
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
peng
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
12 likes · 10 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
13 likes · 11 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
10 likes · 6 Comments
More articles