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

Alex Doran, the acting special agent in charge of the FBI's San Antonio field office, said a motive for the shooting remains under investigation, but terrorism is a possible motive. —Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026

Again, the goal of this operation is to make sure there will never be, in Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism to reign havoc on us and the region. —NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026

The incident Sunday afternoon on the Interstate 495 Beltway was described as road rage and is not believed to be terrorism-related, officials said. —Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026

Is there any nexus to terrorism or anything that is going on in regard to the worldwide caution at this moment? —CBS News, 1 Mar. 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