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 news agency added that the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation, and terrorism charges are pending in the case. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

Why, just days before this military operation against Iran, did the FBI director fire dozens of agents in counterintelligence and international terrorism units? —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

For decades, Iran has been the world’s leading exporter of international terrorism. —Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2026

Amijail Sánchez González, Leonardo Enrique Cruz Gómez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, José Manuel Rodríguez Castelló and Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara were detained and charged with terrorism. —Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 8 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