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

If a cyberattack is to blame for the loss of power, Judge Jorge Calama would then investigate the case as a potential act of terrorism, according to court documents. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

Mangione, 26, is charged with first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, stalking and a slew of other state and federal charges in both New York and Pennsylvania, for allegedly gunning down Thompson, a 50-year-old married father of two, on a sidewalk in Manhattan on Dec. 4, 2024. —Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Although no motive has been released, police said there was no indication the incident was an act of terrorism. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

The British Columbia prosecution service said that Lo could face more charges, but investigators ruled out terrorism and said Lo had a history of mental health issues. —Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 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