terror
/teˈroɾ/
The Spanish word for terror is terror.
You can use various phrases to describe this state, such as sentir terror (to feel terror), provocar terror (to provoke terror) or crear terror (to create terror). To describe the intensity of the feeling, you might use un terror abrumador (an overwhelming terror), un terror paralizante (a paralyzing terror) or un terror incontrolable (an uncontrollable terror). If you want to say someone is terrified, use the phrase estar aterrorizado/a.
Meaning: terrorism (noun)
Which one should you use?
While terror describes the feeling of intense fear, the specific term for the political or ideological act of terrorism is terrorismo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the word angustia is used to express feelings of terror or anguish. In Argentina and Uruguay, the colloquial term cagazo is used to refer to a strong feeling of terror or fear.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun terror is masculine and is used with the definite article el. If you want to use an adjective to describe something that causes terror, use aterrador (terrifying). Another way to express the physical reaction to fear is the phrase temblar de miedo (to shake with fear).
How do you pronounce it?
/teˈroɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of terror is shared with the Spanish word terremoto, meaning 'earthquake'. Both come from the Latin root for shaking or trembling.
- In Argentina and Uruguay, the word cagazo is used to describe a sudden burst of terror. It is highly vulgar and relates to the physical act of losing bowel control due to fear.
- In Spanish literature, terror is often distinguished from miedo. While miedo is a general fear, terror implies a visceral, instinctive dread that often renders a person unable to move.
Examples in context
- La película de vampiros los llenó de terror.The vampire movie filled them with terror.This sentence shows how a movie can fill someone with terror.Tatoeba #3200578 by cueyayotl, translation #682162 by Source_VOA
- Algunas personas le tienen terror a los ratones.Some people have a terror of mice.This sentence illustrates having a fear or terror of something like mice.Tatoeba #1483262 by hayastan, translation #682161 by Source_VOA
- La horrorizada voz del chico estaba estremecida con el terror.The frightened boy's voice was shaking with terror.This sentence describes a voice shaking due to terror.Tatoeba #1198335 by marcelostockle, translation #64915 by Lumi
- El terror invadió la ciudadTerror invaded the city
- Vivieron momentos de horror y terrorThey experienced moments of horror and terror
- Me da mucho miedoIt terrifies me
- Siento un miedo terribleI feel terrible fear
- Los habitantes vivían con temor constanteThe inhabitants lived in constant terror
- Sentí un pavor indescriptibleI felt an indescribable terror
- Sentí un terror indescriptible al escuchar el ruidoI felt an indescribable terror upon hearing the noise
- El asesino logró provocar terror en la ciudadThe killer managed to provoke terror in the city
- El monstruo crea terror en los niñosThe monster creates terror in the children
- El abismo generaba un terror abrumadorThe abyss generated an overwhelming terror
- Aquella figura grotesca causaba un terror paralizanteThat grotesque figure caused a paralyzing terror
- El suceso desencadenó un terror incontrolable en la poblaciónThe event unleashed an uncontrollable terror in the population
- Me encontraba aterrorizado/a tras ver esa película de terrorI was terrified after watching that horror movie
- Temblaba de miedo al escuchar los ruidos en la oscuridadI was shaking with fear upon hearing the noises in the darkness
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing a news report about global security.
- SofíaEl terror es una amenaza global muy grave.Terrorism is a very serious global threat.
- AlejandroSí, es difícil mantener la paz hoy en día.Yes, it is difficult to maintain peace nowadays.
- SofíaMuchos países luchan contra el terror.Many countries fight against terrorism.
- AlejandroEspero que el mundo sea más seguro pronto.I hope the world becomes safer soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry terror, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
