be seized with terror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be seized with terror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear or dread that takes hold of someone. Example: "As the dark figure approached, she was seized with terror, unable to move or scream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She would conclude that everything about Westboro's doctrine was wrong, only to be seized with terror that these thoughts were a test from God, and she was failing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Describes incident where her husband was detained in Tangier because of a minor visa problem, and Kramer was seized with terror at having to journey into Gibraltar alone.

The New Yorker

It was recorded that "he destroyed five great towns and with them many myriads of men and women... the lands of the west were seized with terror".

Wikipedia

The Jordan River was split asunder, the walls of Jericho fell at Israel's shout, the enemy was seized with divinely inspired terror, and the sun stood still in order to enable Israel to exploit its victory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His films fear stasis and stolidity in the way that the diplomat lives in terror of broken protocol, or the rake is seized with dread at the prospect of a night alone.

The New Yorker

"I was seized with awe.

The New Yorker

He was seized with sharp emotion.

The New Yorker

Trump was seized with this issue.

The New Yorker

The chattering classes are seized with it.

The New Yorker

On leaving her, Isherwood's protagonist is seized with euphoria.

The New York Times

Mr. Piccioni was seized with worry before he responded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be seized with terror" to vividly depict a sudden, overwhelming onset of fear, especially when describing a character's internal experience or reaction to a shocking event. Consider alternative phrases if a more gradual or nuanced description of fear is desired.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "be seized with terror" can sound melodramatic in contemporary contexts. Opt for more direct or nuanced language to describe fear unless aiming for a heightened, theatrical effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be seized with terror" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically part of a clause describing someone's emotional state. Ludwig indicates it expresses a sudden, overwhelming feeling of fear. This phrase is useful to describe a character's inner response to a frightening situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be seized with terror" effectively conveys a sudden and overwhelming feeling of fear. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's relatively rare and leans towards a more formal or literary style. When using this phrase, consider the context and intended tone, as it can sound melodramatic in some modern settings. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in narrative contexts within news articles, encyclopedias and other sources. Consider alternatives like "be overcome with terror" or "be gripped by terror" for variations in meaning or impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overcome with terror

Replaces "seized" with "overcome", indicating a gradual rather than sudden onset of terror.

be gripped by terror

Substitutes "seized" with "gripped", suggesting a firm hold or control by terror.

be filled with terror

Uses "filled" instead of "seized", implying a complete immersion in terror.

be struck with terror

Replaces "seized" with "struck", emphasizing a sudden and forceful impact of terror.

be consumed by terror

Uses "consumed" instead of "seized", conveying a sense of being completely taken over by terror.

experience a surge of terror

Replaces the passive voice with an active one, highlighting the act of experiencing terror.

feel a wave of terror

Uses "feel a wave" to describe the sensation, suggesting a transient but powerful experience.

panic

A more concise way of expressing being seized with terror, focusing on the immediate reaction.

be frightened out of one's wits

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme fear, though less formal.

lose control through terror

Highlights the loss of control resulting from terror.

FAQs

How can I use "be seized with terror" in a sentence?

You can use "be seized with terror" to describe a sudden and intense feeling of fear. For example, "As the monster appeared, she "was seized with terror" and couldn't move."

What phrases are similar to "be seized with terror"?

Similar phrases include "be overcome with terror", "be gripped by terror", or "be filled with terror". These all convey a strong sense of fear.

Is "be seized with terror" a formal or informal expression?

"Be seized with terror" leans toward a more formal and literary register. In casual conversation, simpler expressions like "panic" or "be frightened" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "be seized with terror" and "be afraid"?

"Be afraid" is a general term for feeling fear. "Be seized with terror" suggests a more intense, sudden, and overwhelming experience of fear that takes control of the person.