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

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a former Guard commander, announced the terrorism designation, which probably will be mostly symbolic. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026

This was soon after a New York State judge had dismissed terrorism charges against Mangione, citing lack of evidence. —Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026

The anniversary of the criminal police murder of Tortuguita Manuel Téran is January 18th, and Atlanta land defenders are still facing absurd domestic terrorism charges. —Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

Noem also referred to Pretti's actions as domestic terrorism. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 27 Jan. 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