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terror

Terror refers to an intense state of fear or alarm arising in response to an imminent threat, or to actions intended to induce such fear. The term is used in psychology to describe acute fear, in politics to describe coercive strategies, and in culture to distinguish mood and atmosphere in fiction from ordinary fear.

Terror derives from Latin terror, from terrere to frighten, entering English via Old or Middle French. The

Reign of Terror during the French Revolution (roughly 1793-1794) saw mass arrests, trials, and executions conducted

In psychology, terror denotes a sudden, overwhelming fear that impairs judgment, often linked to perception of

In literature and media, writers distinguish between terror and horror as modes of eliciting fear. Terror emphasizes

Modern usage extends to terrorism, the use of violence or intimidation to achieve political aims. Definitions

phrase
"the
reign
of
terror"
popularized
the
term
as
a
period
of
state-sponsored
intimidation.
by
the
revolutionary
government,
led
by
the
Committee
of
Public
Safety.
Proponents
argued
it
protected
the
republic
from
counterrevolution;
critics
labeled
it
indiscriminate
violence.
The
period
remains
a
focal
point
in
studies
of
political
violence
and
state
policy.
immediate
danger.
It
contrasts
with
longer-term
anxiety;
everyday
use
of
terror
may
describe
frightening
events
or
media
coverage
rather
than
clinical
conditions.
suspense,
the
unknown,
and
anticipation
of
threat,
while
horror
emphasizes
graphic
revelation
and
revulsion.
This
distinction
guides
suspenseful
narratives
and
the
portrayal
of
threat.
vary
by
law
and
organization,
but
common
elements
include
targeting
noncombatants,
publicity,
and
fear
creation
to
pressure
governments
or
societies.
Debates
surround
terminology,
ethics,
and
counterterrorism
strategies.