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

Mangione appeared in court in September when the judge dismissed terrorism charges against him. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025

Well, this horrific tragedy could be the result of an individual that quickly mobilized to violence without any ties to foreign terrorism. —CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025

Federal authorities have launched a sprawling, nationwide terrorism investigation into this attack that included searches in Washington state and California. —Bloomberg, Oc Register, 28 Nov. 2025

These included many African nations suffering from conflict and terrorism such as Chad, Sudan and Somalia — as well as other countries, like Afghanistan. —Alana Wise, NPR, 28 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