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 United States on Monday formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move Secretary of State Marco Rubio said eliminates the final major barriers to investment and economic recovery in the country. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

The two teen-agers were sentenced to more than a decade in prison for terrorism and attempted murder. — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

The United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, lifting what Damascus says was the last major impediment to investing in the country as Washington deepens ties to the new Syrian government. — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026

There's crime, there's terrorism, there's no health care access, there's kidnapping. — CBS News, 23 Aug. 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
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

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