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

Only if a final agreement follows on this provisional one will Iran be provided with $300 billion and the lifting of all sanctions, including those linked to terrorism, its ballistic-missile program, and human-rights abuses. —Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026

Domestic terrorism itself is not a chargeable offense. —Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 17 June 2026

If the rest of this article is correct, the lifting of sanctions, release of frozen assets, charging for ship passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and the resumption of oil exportation will fund an even more radical regime’s ongoing quest of nuclear weapons and support of terrorism. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2026

More than 1,100 Ukrainians, a fifth of them minors, have been accused of committing arson, terrorism, or sabotage, apparently Russian-backed, since 2022. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 15 June 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