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How to Say "terror" in Spanish

English → Spanish

terror

teh-ROHR/teˈror/

nounB1general
Use 'terror' when referring to a widespread, intense, and often sudden fear caused by a significant event or threat.
A small, simple character with very wide eyes and a distressed expression is clutching their face with their hands, illustrating extreme, intense fear.

Examples

El grito de la víctima llenó la noche de terror.

The victim's scream filled the night with terror.

El terremoto causó un terror generalizado entre la población.

The earthquake caused widespread terror among the population.

Sentí un terror horrible cuando se apagaron todas las luces.

I felt a horrible dread when all the lights went out.

La película de terror me mantuvo despierto toda la noche.

The horror movie kept me awake all night.

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.

Gender Error

Mistake: “La terror”

Correction: El terror. Although it ends in '-or', 'terror' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el' or 'un'.

horror

OH-rrohr/ˈo.rɔr/

nounB1general
Choose 'horror' to describe a feeling of intense fear mixed with shock or disgust, often experienced when witnessing something disturbing or gruesome.
A simple illustration of a terrified child with wide eyes and a screaming mouth, shaking in fear.

Examples

Sentí un horror profundo al ver la casa abandonada.

I felt a deep horror upon seeing the abandoned house.

La película de horror nos mantuvo despiertos toda la noche.

The horror movie kept us awake all night.

El horror de la guerra es indescriptible.

The dread/horror of war is indescribable.

Gender Check

Remember that 'horror' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un': el horror.

pánico

nounB1general
Use 'pánico' to indicate a sudden, overwhelming, and often irrational fear that causes a loss of control or the inability to think clearly.

Examples

Cuando vio el humo, entró en pánico y no supo qué hacer.

When he saw the smoke, he panicked and didn't know what to do.

Terror vs. Horror vs. Pánico

Learners often confuse 'terror' and 'horror'. Remember that 'terror' implies a more general, widespread fear, while 'horror' usually includes a strong element of shock or disgust at something specific. 'Pánico' refers to the loss of control due to sudden fear.

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