The Hebrew noun chittith refers to a deep, overwhelming terror or dread. It is related to the root chathath (H2865) meaning to be dismayed or shattered. Chittith describes the awe-inspiring terror that powerful nations or rulers inspire in others.
In Ezekiel, chittith is used in oracles against powerful nations like Assyria and Egypt to describe the terror they caused among the living — and how even they now lie silenced in death. The prophet uses this reversal to announce God's ultimate sovereignty over all human power.
Theologically, chittith teaches that earthly terror, however great, is temporary. God alone is the ultimate object of holy fear. The mighty empires that terrorized the ancient world could not escape His judgment.