Spanish word

terror

Pronunciation

IPA/teˈroɾ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfear

Example

Sentí terror al escuchar ese ruido.

I felt fear when I heard that noise.

Illustration for terror (fear)

More examples

La película de terror me mantuvo despierto.

The horror film kept me awake.

Core concept

A sudden, paralyzing panic that freezes the body.

Common phrases

  • sentir terror

    feel terror

  • película de terror

    horror film

  • me da terror

    scare me

Similar words

miedo: Fear or nervousness in response to danger or uncertainty, a common everyday reaction.
pánico: Sudden, overwhelming fear that destroys calm and triggers frantic flight.
temor: Cautious worry about possible outcomes or risks, held with restraint.
horror: Shocking fear mixed with revulsion that causes a shuddering recoil.

Definition in Spanish

Estado de pavor extremo que puede causar paralización o una reacción física intensa.

Word origin

From Latin terrere 'to frighten', Spanish terror developed as a noun for an intense, overwhelming fear.

Usage tips

  • Spanish usually pairs terror with verbs like sentir (feel) and dar (cause); tener terror a is uncommon, and miedo is used for less intense fear.

Other meanings

  • horrornoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word