reign of terror

Definition of REIGN OF TERROR

: a state or a period of time marked by violence often committed by those in power that produces widespread terror

Reign of Terror, a period of the French Revolution that was conspicuous for mass executions of political suspects

First Known Use: 1798

Next Word in the Dictionary: Reihengräber (plural noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: reign All Words Near: reign of terror

What made you want to look up reign of terror? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears