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

Perceived risks for all travelers including terrorism, kidnapping, and disease actually occur less frequently than road injuries. —Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Ahead of Saturday’s demonstration, counter-terrorism officers in England and Scotland raided the homes of seven spokespeople from the activist group Defend Our Juries – which has been instrumental in organizing the protests – arresting and charging them all with terrorism offenses. —Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025

The International Commission for Human Rights condemned the Venezuelan state for its participation in terrorism. —Kristina Foltz, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

Soliman's lawyers have denied any connections to the Muslim Brotherhood or terrorism groups and said Soliman has never been to Iraq. —Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Sep. 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