terror
/teh-ROHR/
terror
The primary meaning of terror is intense fear or dread.
📝 In Action
El terremoto causó un terror generalizado entre la población.
B1The earthquake caused widespread terror among the population.
Sentí un terror horrible cuando se apagaron todas las luces.
A2I felt a horrible dread when all the lights went out.
La película de terror me mantuvo despierto toda la noche.
B1The horror movie kept me awake all night.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Tener' vs. 'Sentir'
You can use the verb 'tener' (to have) or 'sentir' (to feel) with 'terror': 'Tengo terror' (I have terror) or 'Siento terror' (I feel terror). Both are very common.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Error
Mistake: "La terror"
Correction: El terror. Although it ends in '-or', 'terror' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el' or 'un'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Adjectives for Intensity
To show how extreme the fear is, use adjectives like 'ciego' (blind terror), 'profundo' (deep terror), or 'paralizante' (paralyzing terror).
A secondary meaning of terror is used to describe a troublesome person or a menace.
📝 In Action
Mi sobrino es un terror; rompió dos jarrones esta mañana.
C1My nephew is a menace/holy terror; he broke two vases this morning.
Ese perro es un terror, siempre está ladrando a los carteros.
B2That dog is a terror, it's always barking at the mail carriers.
💡 Grammar Points
Used with 'Ser'
When 'terror' refers to a person or animal, it is used with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe their nature: 'Él es un terror' (He is a terror).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
This meaning is usually clear from the context. If you hear 'Es un terror,' and the sentence mentions mischief or chaos, they are referring to a troublesome person, not the emotion itself.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: terror
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'terror' to describe a person?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'terror' masculine or feminine?
'Terror' is a masculine noun, so you always use the article 'el' with it (el terror). This is common for Spanish nouns ending in -or.
What is the difference between 'miedo' and 'terror'?
'Miedo' is general fear, like being scared of heights. 'Terror' is much stronger—it's overwhelming, intense dread, similar to the difference between 'scared' and 'terrified' in English.