terrors

Terrors are the plural form of terror. In common usage, they refer to episodes or sources of extreme fear, or to periods of widespread fear and intimidation. The term is used across contexts including everyday speech, journalism, and artistic works.

In psychology and emotion research, terror describes an intense, often sudden fear response to an immediate threat. It may be accompanied by physiological arousal and a sense of helplessness. The plural terrors can refer to multiple incidents of such fear, or to a state of persistent dread in a perceived dangerous situation.

In literature and film, terror designates a mood or genre focused on fear, suspense, and the unknown. Terrors may be used for stylistic effect or to evoke moral or existential anxieties. The plural form appears in titles and collections to signal a range of fear-inducing works.

In political and historical discourse, terror is used to describe the use of violence or intimidation to achieve political aims. When discussing multiple episodes, campaigns, or regimes, writers may use terrors or terror campaigns to refer to different instances across regions or periods.

Etymology and related terms: From Latin terror through Old French, the word denotes fear or dread. Related concepts include fear, horror, and terrorism. The terms differ in emphasis: terror can refer to the feeling of fear, the act of causing fear, or a broader atmosphere of dread.