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

The judge said the evidence presented to the grand jury was insufficient to support the terrorism charge. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2025

Experts agree that other religions, including Muslims, are also affected by the terrorism sweeping the country, but multiple advocates still believe that Christians are being disproportionately targeted for their religion, especially in the Middle Belt. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025

Separate from the state case, federal authorities also initiated an investigation into the terrorism charges. —Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Authorities said those detained will face terrorism and attempted murder charges. —Isa Cardona, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 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