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

Last thing on this, be very clear, the Iranians have always been using the strait as economic terrorism against the West to protect their theocratic regime. —NBC news, 12 Apr. 2026

Food insecurity, migration, terrorism and resource conflicts are all on the rise. —Julie Bourdin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026

The plot that spins from this opening includes a series of events involving philosophy, parenting, mental health, disability, romance and international art terrorism that would take several columns worth to summarize. —John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

The copycat proposals included efforts to ban Islamic religious law, also known as Sharia law, from American courts, as well as other bills that sought to thwart Islamic institutions that some, without clear evidence, claimed were tied to terrorism. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026

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