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

Earning hearty applause, her moving performance underscored the song’s message of hope, faith, resilience and unity amid the recent Los Angeles wildfires, last month’s act of terrorism on Bourbon Street in New Orleans and current challenges to such initiatives as DEI. —Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 9 Feb. 2025

But research of terrorism and insurgent violence has made clear that military solutions aren’t sufficient. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025

The majority of migrants sent to the area will most likely be housed on the western side of the bay, about seven miles from the prison for terrorism suspects, images and documents analyzed by The New York Times show. —Allison McCann, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025

The detention camp has long been associated with the detention of terrorism suspects including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing terrorism

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

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