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 San Diego Police Department’s current participation in numerous joint task forces with the federal government, such as those targeting drug dealers and terrorism, would not be affected. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025

Ware said that for him, the shift in domestic terrorism is better defined by a change in who has been targeted. —NPR, 25 Oct. 2025

His prior convictions include charges of assault, burglary, conspiracy, street terrorism, robbery and gun possession. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025

In 2025, participants were asked about more than 65 fears spanning government, conspiracy theories, crime, the environment, the economy, personal finances, artificial intelligence, health and illness, natural and human-made disasters, terrorism, war, the paranormal and more. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 24 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