Spanish Conversation · Level 27
90 words
Spanish word
aterrorizar
Pronunciation
IPA/ateroɾiˈθaɾ/
Meaning
- verbterrify
Example
El ruido aterroriza a los niños.
The noise terrifies the children.
More examples
Las noticias sensacionalistas suelen aterrorizar a la gente.
Sensationalist news usually terrifies people.
Core concept
A person frozen in place by overwhelming fear.
Common phrases
aterrorizar a alguien
terrify someone
aterrorizar a la gente
terrify people
Similar words
asustar: Produces a brief, mild scare or shock that causes temporary fear.
espantar: Frights so a person wants to flee or avoid the source of danger.
sobresaltar: Startles with a sudden, sharp surprise that causes a momentary jolt.
intimidar: Threatens or menaces to create fear that leads a person to comply.
Definition in Spanish
Causar un miedo muy intenso en alguien, hasta dejarlo paralizado o muy angustiado.
Word origin
From Spanish terror (from Latin terrōr 'fear') combined with the prefix a- and the verb-forming suffix -izar to mean 'to cause terror'.
Usage tips
- Aterrorizar describes extreme, often paralyzing fear and is typically used for violent intimidation or traumatic events, while asustar is preferred for brief or mild scares.
Other meanings
- terrorizeverb
Opposites
- tranquilizarcalmverb
- calmarcalm downverb