terrorism

noun

ter·ror·ism | \ ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm

How to pronounce terrorism (audio)

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Definition of terrorism

: the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion

Other Words from terrorism Example Sentences Learn More about terrorism

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Examples of terrorism in a Sentence

They have been arrested for acts of terrorism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Based on the definition of terrorism, these things that are happening are very personal in nature. — Anna Beahm | Abeahm@al.com, al.com, "Councilman, frustrated by violence, suggests Birmingham look to the National Guard," 18 June 2019 David Pearlman, a travel agent from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., wasn’t impressed with Egypt, a Level 3 country because of a heightened risk of terrorism. — Christopher Elliott, Twin Cities, "Where in the world shouldn’t I go on vacation?," 15 June 2019 But the biggest question remains: Why would the US side with Sudan, a country that for years harbored Osama bin Laden and is on the State Department’s state sponsors of terrorism list? — Alex Ward, Vox, "Trump’s Justice Department is fighting US terrorist attack victims in the Supreme Court," 8 Nov. 2018 One Yemeni commander, who was put on the U.S. terrorism list for al-Qaida ties last year, continues to receive money from the UAE to run his militia, his own aide told the AP. — Maggie Michael, Fox News, "US official says UAE paid Yemen tribes to push al-Qaida out," 15 Aug. 2018 One Yemeni commander who was put on the U.S. terrorism list for al-Qaida ties last year continues to receive money from the UAE to run his militia, his own aide told the AP. — Jon Gambrell, The Seattle Times, "UAE responds to AP report on deals with al-Qaida in Yemen," 13 Aug. 2018 Also newly included on the United States’ global terrorism list was Ali Tarzali, another senior official at Iran’s central bank, and al-Bilad Islamic Bank in Iraq and its chairman, Aras Habib. — Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, "U.S. Imposes New Sanctions on Iran, Designating Head of Central Bank a Terrorist," 15 May 2018 Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters that the attack was not linked to terrorism. — The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "At least four dead in Darwin, Australia, shooting," 4 June 2019 Civil liberties campaigners who brought the case hailed the judgment as a landmark victory against the mass surveillance that governments have defended as an important tool in fighting terrorism. — Fox News, "Court: British surveillance violates European law," 13 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'terrorism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for terrorism

terrorism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of terrorism

: the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal

See the full definition for terrorism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

terrorism

noun

ter·ror·ism | \ ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm

\

Kids Definition of terrorism

: the use of violence as a means of achieving a goal

terrorism

noun

ter·ror·ism | \ ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm

\

Legal Definition of terrorism

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

Other Words from terrorism

terrorist \ -ist

\ adjective or noun

terroristic \ ˌter-ər-ˈis-tik

\ adjective

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