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

Here are Egypt's plans to keep them there Israel says celebrations around prisoner and detainee releases encourage violence and terrorism, and has long discouraged them. —Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 6 Mar. 2025

According to their motion filed in federal court on Friday, programs whose funds have been frozen include wildfire prevention, emergency management, terrorism prevention, cybersecurity, and flood mitigation. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2025

Sovereign defaults, in turn, cause even more problems for citizens such as increases in unemployment, social instability, and in worst cases, can lead residents to turn to crime and even terrorism. —Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Under the Maduro regime, dissidents are often labeled as enemies of the state and frequently charged with terrorism. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 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