terror
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terror
The systematic use of violence and the spreading of fear and terror in order to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals.
Die Anschläge waren ein Akt des Terrors, der die Bevölkerung einschüchtern sollte.
The attacks were an act of terror intended to intimidate the population.
The noun 'der Terror' (terror) is the basis for several important words. These include 'der Terrorismus' (terrorism, the ideology), 'der Terrorist' (terrorist, the person), and the verb 'terrorisieren' (to terrorize, the action).
Die Regierung hat neue Gesetze gegen den Terrorismus erlassen.
The government has passed new laws against terrorism.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Terror' (terror) from context. In connection with politics, violence, and attacks, the serious meaning is intended. In everyday language, it colloquially describes a major disturbance or nuisance.
Die Nachrichten berichten über einen neuen Terror-Anschlag.
The news is reporting on a new terrorist attack.
In a political context, 'Terror' (terror) is often combined with certain verbs. Common phrases are 'Terror verbreiten' (to spread terror), 'Terror ausüben' (to carry out terror), or 'den Terror bekämpfen' (to fight terror).
Extremistische Gruppen versuchen, durch Gewalt Terror zu verbreiten.
Extremist groups try to spread terror through violence.
In the colloquial meaning, 'Terror' (terror) is often used as the second part of a new word to describe an extreme nuisance. Examples are 'Lärmterror' (noise terror), 'Telefonterror' (phone harassment), or 'Psychoterror' (psychological terror).
Der Psychoterror am Arbeitsplatz hat sie krank gemacht.
The psychological terror at work made her ill.
stress
'Stress' and 'Terror' can both express that a situation is very stressful. 'Stress' is the normal word when you are under pressure, have a lot to do, or feel tense. In this relation, 'Terror' colloquially means a major nuisance or constant disturbance, often caused by people, noise, or problems. Learners may confuse the words because in everyday language people sometimes say: 'Das ist Terror.' (That's terror.) But that sounds stronger and more emotional than 'Stress'. For normal strain, 'Stress' fits better; 'Terror' is more appropriate when something really annoys you or will not leave you in peace.
Der Lärm aus der Nachbarwohnung war gestern Abend echter Terror.
The noise from the neighboring apartment was real terror last night.
Vor der Prüfung hatte Lena viel Stress und konnte schlecht schlafen.
Before the exam, Lena had a lot of stress and could not sleep well.