terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
: 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 Middle East is plagued by problems: civil wars, dictatorships, terrorism, and deep anti-American sentiment, to name a few. Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2024 Oliver is a lawyer Oliver is a practicing lawyer at Furnival Chambers in London with a focus on murder, terrorism, drug and fraud cases, per his bio on Leaders in Law’s website. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 World & Nation Trudeau says India may be linked to a Sikh activist’s slaying in Canada Sept. 18, 2023 As India cracked down on Sikhs in the name of fighting terrorism, the militancy faded and more Sikhs left the country. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 The discussions included terms for releasing at least 15 prisoners convicted of serious acts of terrorism who would be exchanged for the female soldiers. Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 After revelations of abuse by the FBI, Congress is struggling to renew the controversial Section 702 mass-surveillance program that the government says is crucial to fighting everything from fentanyl trafficking to terrorism to Chinese spies. TIME, 29 Feb. 2024 Those court documents — which were filed in 14 states, as well as the District of Columbia — were related to suspects in a range of criminal charges, including terrorism, sanction evasion, guns, drugs, covid relief fraud and Somali piracy. Aaron Schaffer, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Departments & Columns The Week The Week NR Editors The reckoning with the U.N.’s association with anti-Israeli terrorism continues. Heather Wilhelm, National Review, 22 Feb. 2024 Their religious doctrine is used to justify terrorism. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terrorism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrorism was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near terrorism

Cite this Entry

“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

terrorism

noun
ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
: the use of terror as a means of achieving a goal
terrorist adjective or noun

Legal Definition

terrorism

noun
ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
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 adjective or noun
terroristic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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