In this post, we’ve listed 10 adjectives to describe terrorist attacks. Read on to learn about them and get some ideas on how you can use them in your writing.
1. Horrendous
Definition
Something very shocking or unpleasant.
The following banner is an affiliate one. That means Writing Tips Oasis receive a small % of the sale if you purchase The Novel Factory, but at no extra cost to you:
Examples
“Terrorist attacks are horrendous, and I won’t hear anymore on the subject!”
“The horrendous terrorist attack loomed over the town like a storm cloud.”
How it Adds Description
“Horrendous” is an adjective that shows how horrible something is, and therefore can show your reader the extreme effects of the terrorist attack on your characters. If characters deem the attack “horrendous,” it can imply they were emotionally affected or upset by the events. It could also show they have sympathy for the victims of the attack.
2. Swift
Definition
Something that happens without delay or very quickly.
Examples
“The terrorist attack was swift. It happened without any warning and caught the city off guard.”
“Unlike the group’s previous attempt, their latest terrorist attack was swift and well-planned.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to add more details to how the terrorist attack occurred, “swift” is a useful adjective. “Swift” shows that the attack was fast and potentially well-planned. This could imply that your fictional terrorists are intelligent or have been planning the events for years. “Swift” also shows that the victims didn’t have time to prepare or fight back.
3. Endless
Definition
Something that either lasts for a very long time or feels like it won’t end.
Examples
“The terrorist attack was endless, and all the people could do was hide and hope for the best.”
“She cried throughout the endless terrorist attack. All she wanted was to be transported home.”
How it Adds Description
“Endless” can signify how the terrorist attack lasts for a long period of time. It can also imply that the characters experiencing the terrorist attack feel like it’s going on longer than it actually is, thus showing their heightened emotions and fear. If a character describes the situation as “endless,” they likely feel hopeless and will be psychologically affected by the events.
4. Terrifying
Definition
Something that makes people very frightened.
Examples
“The terrifying terrorist attack changed the victims’ lives forever. Never again would they be able to face the scene of the incident.”
“Even though she watched the terrorist attack on TV, she still thought it was terrifying.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to emphasize the fear caused by the terrorist attack, “terrifying” is an apt adjective to use. This shows the extreme feelings caused by the incident, and it shows characters are emotionally affected by the incident. A “terrifying” event might make some characters freeze up from fear. However, some may experience an adrenaline surge and respond to the attack.
5. Surprising
Definition
Something that’s unusual or unexpected.
Examples
“Though the terrorist attack was surprising, the emergency services responded at the speed of light.”
“The surprising terrorist attack was the final straw for the Mayor. His next project was to reinforce the town’s security.”
How it Adds Description
“Surprising” shows how the terrorist attack happens without warning and doesn’t give the victims time to prepare. Characters may also find the attack “surprising” if they live in a usually peaceful area.
6. Overwhelming
Definition
Something that strongly affects people and leaves them unsure of how to deal with it.
Examples
“The overwhelming terrorist attack instantly sent her into an intense panic attack.”
“Though the terrorist attack was overwhelming, he mustered up the courage to run away.”
How it Adds Description
“Overwhelming” shows how the terrorist attack affects anyone involved. Characters may be so affected that they can’t cope with the events, and this also shows their extreme fear. “Overwhelming” can also hint that the attack is larger in scale or intensity than past events, and therefore it creates a more significant reaction in victims.
7. Minor
Definition
Something less serious, significant, or important.
Examples
“It was a minor terrorist attack, and luckily no one was hurt — bystanders were only left a little shaken.”
“The minor terrorist attack worried the governor. Could it be a sign of more attacks?”
How it Adds Description
If your fictional terrorist attack isn’t big or significant, it could be a “minor” attack. “Minor” shows the attack either doesn’t harm characters or has a big effect. Characters might be relieved after a “minor” attack, but the attackers might be irritated that their attack was deemed “minor.”
8. Fruitless
Definition
Something that doesn’t achieve anything.
Examples
“The fruitless terrorist attack frustrated the attackers. Their mission had failed.”
“Thankfully, the terrorist attack was fruitless, and no passersby were harmed in the process.”
How it Adds Description
“Fruitless” means that the attack didn’t achieve the planned results, which usually means no one was harmed or killed. If characters call an attack “fruitless,” they’ll likely be happy about the results and thankful that everyone is alive and well. Alternatively, the terrorist group might get even angrier as their “fruitless” attack failed.
9. Intricate
Definition
Something with lots of details or small parts.
Examples
“He studied the intricate terrorist attack plans. Whoever formulated them was a genius.”
“The terrorist attack was intricate, but that didn’t guarantee it would play out as expected.”
How it Adds Description
“Intricate” can be used to show the depth of the planning or formula behind the terrorist attack. Characters with the ability to produce “intricate” plans might be extremely intelligent, and this can make them even more dangerous. Also, an “intricate” attack might pose more danger to civilians, as every scenario is considered.
10. Evil
Definition
A word to describe all bad and wicked things that happen in the world.
Examples
“The terrorist attack was pure evil. Only the most disturbed minds could concoct and enact such terrible things.”
“She prayed every night for the world to be rid of evil terrorist attacks. But no one could hear her.”
How it Adds Description
“Evil” is perhaps the most powerful way to describe bad things, and therefore it’s perfect for any writer wanting to portray the gravity and terror of an attack. If characters believe the attacks are “evil,” they are likely strongly opposed to violence and the motivations behind the terrorist group.