> Ya, but the connontations are different.  So they aren't true synonyms.

the idea of a synonym isn't being identical, having the same exact 
connotations, intensity, but belonging to the same semantic group, in this 
case fear terror like fright, horror etc...
there are also "related words" ( apprehension, timidity angst...) but fear 
and terror are more than related, they're synonyms.

Terror came into english from french "terreur", which itself came from latin 
"terrere" , ie to frighten.
During the french revolution there was what stuck as a "Reign of Terror" ( 
la Terreur) under Robespierre, and the idiom came to mean a state or a 
period of time marked by violence often committed by those in power that 
produces widespread terror.
Hence the modern use of "terror" to designate a position where violence 
committed or threatened, is used intimidate or coerce a frightened 
population, for military or political purposes, and "terrorism", the 
systematic tactical use of terror, from threatened violence, as a means of 
pressure and coercion.

The "what matters is to be feared" argument that Kevin seems to defend 
smells like good Machiavelli to me, "better a feared prince than a loved 
one".
But I think this is ignoring one key element : the difference between fear 
and hatred. When actions are felt as unfair, unjustified, fear is overcome 
by hatred.
Terrorist groups such as Al Quaeda are recycling fear into hatred.
These fanatics do not fear the USA, but hate it, and are happy to die 
fighting against it.
I believe hatred, not fear, is the key element here.

b