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

Earlier in October, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Iran was involved in the incident at RAF Fairford that led to the arrest of five men on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses. — Kevin Breuninger,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026

What readers are saying The comments express strong criticism of Israeli settler violence, with many labeling it as terrorism or ethnic cleansing rather than mere extremism. — Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

Eisenberg was sworn in as assistant attorney general in charge of the department's National Security Division in June 2025 and oversaw cases involving espionage, terrorism, export control violations, cyber crimes and other matters. — Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026

The bills — the protection of the state from terrorism and prevention of organized crimes — were submitted to Parliament, which has scheduled a debate and vote in the coming weeks. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 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
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

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