The phrase "were terror stricken" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /wər ˈtɛrər ˈstrɪkən/. The first word "were" is pronounced with a short "uh" sound followed by a rolled "r" sound. The second word "terror" is pronounced with an emphasized "t" sound and a short "e" sound, followed by a rolled "r", and with stress on the first syllable. The last word "stricken" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "k" sound and a stressed "e" sound, and with stress on the second syllable.
"were terror-stricken" refers to a state of extreme fear or dread experienced by individuals or a group of people. The term "were" indicates that the individuals in question were subjected to this overwhelming terror, falling into a state of fright.
The adjective "terror-stricken" describes the profound impact of fear on individuals, immobilizing them physically, emotionally, and psychologically. When someone is terror-stricken, their body and mind are consumed by a paralyzing sense of terror, rendering them unable to act or think rationally. This state is often accompanied by symptoms such as increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, trembling, and a sense of impending doom.
The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as describing survivors of a horrifying event, witnesses of a catastrophic incident, or victims of a terrifying ordeal. It portrays a profound intensity of fear that goes beyond mere fright or anxiety. Being terror-stricken implies a loss of control and a feeling of powerlessness in the face of a perceived threat.
The phrase "were terror-stricken" emphasizes that this emotional state was not voluntary; rather, it conveys the sudden and involuntary onset of a gripping and all-consuming fear. It captures a moment when individuals are overwhelmed by terror, leaving them deeply affected and possibly traumatized.