terrorist

noun

ter·​ror·​ist ˈter-ər-ist 

plural terrorists

: an advocate or practitioner of terrorism as a means of coercion

Opposition still runs high to the idea of releasing or bringing into U.S. prisons dozens of men widely considered dangerous terrorists even if many are not.

Less than three weeks before the Winter Olympics are set to begin in the Russian city of Sochi, police there have begun hunting for suspected terrorists allegedly plotting attacks.

—Time

Examples of terrorist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And while it's designed to track enemy spies and terrorists, some lawmakers – including Republicans – say the communications of Americans can get swept up by the powerful surveillance tool, too. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 2 June 2026

The decision comes one year after Keshet members were attacked at the parade by marchers who called them terrorists and murderers, made Nazi salutes and attempted to rush the float. —Simone Somekh, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2026

Despite receiving full due process and a final order of removal, this activist judge appointed by Bill Clinton is releasing this terrorist's family onto American streets. —Alan Gionet, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Tarrant is a terrorist whose deadly attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019 has inspired numerous similar acts of white supremacist violence. —Odette Yousef, NPR, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing terrorist

• anti-terrorist