terreur
/tɛ.ʁœʁ/
The English word "terror" is translated into French as terreur.
In a historical context, the phrase la Terreur (capitalized) refers specifically to the period of state-sanctioned violence during the French Revolution.
Meaning: terrorism (noun)
Which one should you use?
While terreur refers to the intense emotion of fear, the word terrorisme is the specific term used for the political or criminal act of terrorism. The adjective forms of terreur are terrifiant for masculine subjects and terrifiante for feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /tɛ.ʁœʁ/ and consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- While terreur usually means fear, calling a child une petite terreur is a common way to say they are a 'little terror' or a handful.
- French has a distinct word effroi to describe a sudden shock of horror, whereas terreur is used for a more prolonged or overwhelming state of dread.
- The French word terreur was borrowed from the Latin 'terror', which originally meant a physical shaking or trembling.
Examples in context
- Elle cria de terreur.She screamed with terror.This sentence shows how to use terreur to describe a person's reaction.Tatoeba #482804 by sacredceltic, translation #313244 by CK
- Elle poussa un cri de terreur.She uttered a scream of terror.This sentence demonstrates how to use terreur in the context of a scream.Tatoeba #872504 by sacredceltic, translation #313248 by CM
- Il était paralysé par la terreur.He was paralyzed with terror.This sentence shows the effect of being paralyzed by terreur.Tatoeba #4710946 by sacredceltic, translation #295323 by CH
- La terreur s'est répandue dans tout le pays.Terror has spread throughout the country.
- L'attaque a semé la terreur parmi la population.The attack has instilled terror among the population.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing current world news.
- LéaJe suis inquiète face à la montée de la terreur.I am worried about the rise of terrorism.
- GabrielMoi aussi, c'est un problème mondial très grave.Me too, it is a very serious global problem.
- LéaComment peut-on lutter contre la terreur aujourd'hui ?How can we fight terrorism today?
- GabrielIl faut plus de coopération entre les pays.There needs to be more cooperation between countries.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry terreur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries terreur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
