terreur

terror, dread

noun teh-RUR Less Common

Origin: Latin terror

Usage Note

Terreur denotes extreme fear or the force that causes it; La Terreur (with capital T) specifically refers to the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution (1793–94). The related adjective is terrible and the verb terrifier (to terrify). A horror film is usually called un film d'horreur or un film d'épouvante.

Examples

"La terreur se lisait sur son visage."

Natural Translation

Terror was written across his face.

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