terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm 

: the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion

Examples of terrorism in a Sentence

They have been arrested for acts of terrorism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Antonio Mendez, 25, is charged with terrorism, hoax bombs and terroristic threat impeding public service, according to online records. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Nov. 2025

The man accused of randomly setting a woman on fire while on a Chicago transit train this week has been slapped with a federal terrorism charge, marking the latest instance of violence on public transit that continues to plague the country. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 22 Nov. 2025

Officials said the measures build on prior rounds in February and May, targeting terrorism financing and Iran’s petroleum sector. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Nigerian separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu was convicted of terrorism by a court in Abuja and sentenced to life imprisonment. —Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing terrorism

• anti-terrorism
• counter-terrorism
• narco-terrorism
• state terrorism

Rhymes for terrorism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌiz-əm 

: the use of terror as a means of achieving a goal

terrorist

-ər-əst 

adjective or noun

Legal Definition

terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm 

1

: the unlawful use or threat of violence especially against the state or the public as a politically motivated means of attack or coercion

2

: violent and intimidating gang activity

street terrorism

terrorist

-ist 

adjective or noun

terroristic

ˌter-ər-ˈis-tik 

adjective