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

The episode opens on a semi-futuristic TSA screening, setting the stage for a parable about the fear of terrorism. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Jordan Peele's Take on The Twilight Zone's "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" Breaks from the Original," 3 Apr. 2019 The terror attack in Christchurch on Friday was the worst act of terrorism on our shores. — Lucy Diavolo, Teen Vogue, "New Zealand Lawmakers Are Changing Gun Laws in Response to the Christchurch Mosque Attacks," 18 Mar. 2019 So argues Brian Jenkins, a terrorism expert who worked on the Rand Corp. study that Mr. Simon cites. — Ann Toews, WSJ, "‘We Want to Negotiate’ Review: Deal or No Deal," 21 Jan. 2019 The show tackles a lot of issues that are in the headlines these days: terrorism, surveillance, corruption. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Hit U.K. Show Bodyguard Is Now on Netflix," 26 Oct. 2018 Meanwhile, another character, Israeli anti-terrorism expert Erran Morad, convinced enough of Cohen’s targets to do something ridiculous to mark him as another relatively successful character. — Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, "Sacha Baron Cohen’s Who Is America has nothing to say in the end," 24 Aug. 2018 Nonetheless, terrorism experts were not all convinced. — Rick Gladstone, New York Times, "What Is Terrorism? Attacks in Canada and Belgium Reflect Uncertain Definition," 31 May 2018 Bickert's content review team also employs high-level experts including a human rights lawyer, a rape counselor, a counter-terrorism expert from West Point and a researcher with a doctorate who has expertise in European extremist organizations. — Washington Post, latimes.com, "Facebook reveals its censorship guidelines for the first time — 27 pages of them," 24 Apr. 2018 Iraq passed a law in 2015 that criminalized money laundering and terrorism financing. — Samuel Rubenfeld, WSJ, "With New Laws and Some Help, Iraq Turned Around Anti-Money-Laundering Problems," 28 Feb. 2019

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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