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terrorism

noun
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ter·​ror·​ism | \ ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio) \

Definition of terrorism

: the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion
Other Words from terrorism Example Sentences Learn More about terrorism

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Examples of terrorism in a Sentence

They have been arrested for acts of terrorism.
Recent Examples on the Web Ethiopian authorities charged an opposition party leader and seven other people with terrorism following violent protests that erupted in the capital earlier this year after the killing of a musician. — Bloomberg.com, "Ethiopian Opposition Leader Charged With Terrorism, Lawyer Says," 11 Sep. 2020 On a Tuesday morning in September 2001, the American experience with terrorism was fundamentally altered. — Jeff Gruenewald, The Conversation, "19 years after 9/11, Americans continue to fear foreign extremists and underplay the dangers of domestic terrorism," 10 Sep. 2020 This is more than an incidental fact about terrorism. — Michael Washburn, National Review, "Postmodernist American Writers and 9/11," 10 Sep. 2020 The film asks the viewer to consider the nature of birthright when your inheritance constitutes not necessarily property or wealth but a history of racial terrorism and white supremacy that is both singular and shared. — Charlotte J. Ickes, Smithsonian Magazine, "Artist Maren Hassinger Has Spent Her Entire Career Mediating the Current Moment," 9 Sep. 2020 The city’s Office of Emergency Management lists earthquakes, energy shortage, hazardous materials, pandemics, severe weather and terrorism as potential threats residents should be aware of. — Jon Arnold, Dallas News, "McKinney’s Office of Emergency Management offering free disaster preparedness kits," 9 Sep. 2020 The access could help OFAC cross-reference information with other investigators, including those in the U.S. intelligence community, said Mr. Lorber, a former senior adviser to the Treasury’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. — Jack Hagel, WSJ, "Treasury and Delaware Sign Pact to Boost Sanctions Enforcement," 7 Sep. 2020 Those laws outlaw acts of sedition, secession, foreign collusion and terrorism. — Barnini Chakraborty, Fox News, "Hong Kong cops criticized internationally following violent arrest of 12-year-old girl," 6 Sep. 2020 Chief Superintendent Steve Graham of the West Midlands Police said that officers were still searching for a motive, but that there was no indication the stabbings were related to terrorism, a hate crime or gang violence. — Anna Schaverien, New York Times, "Manhunt Underway After Stabbings in Birmingham, England," 6 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'terrorism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of terrorism

1795, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for terrorism

Time Traveler

The first known use of terrorism was in 1795

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Statistics for terrorism

Last Updated

17 Sep 2020

Cite this Entry

“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism. Accessed 21 Sep. 2020.

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More Definitions for terrorism

terrorism

noun
How to pronounce terrorism (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of terrorism

: the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal

See the full definition for terrorism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

terrorism

noun
ter·​ror·​ism | \ ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio) \

Kids Definition of terrorism

: the use of violence as a means of achieving a goal

terrorism

noun
ter·​ror·​ism | \ ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio) \

Legal Definition of terrorism

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

Other Words from terrorism

terrorist \ -​ist How to pronounce terrorist (audio) \ adjective or noun
terroristic \ ˌter-​ər-​ˈis-​tik How to pronounce terroristic (audio) \ adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on terrorism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for terrorism

Nglish: Translation of terrorism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of terrorism for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terrorism

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