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

At the same time, the internet has been a force multiplier for terrorism. —CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

The past two weeks have seen various acts of violence and attempted terrorism, including a shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia, a bombing attempt in New York City, and a synagogue attack in Michigan. —Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 15 Mar. 2026

Nine people are convicted, eight on terrorism charges, in connection with a shooting at a Texas immigration detention facility. —Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026

Officials said the reward, part of the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program, is an effort to gather intelligence on the IRGC and its leadership, which Washington accuses of orchestrating attacks against Americans and supporting terrorism. —Michael Dorgan , Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026

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