terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It was originally founded in 2001 to combat terrorism and now also pursues goals such as security and economic cooperation, 26 June 2025, China, Qingdao. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 These groups, including ISIS, have claimed responsibility for bombings and acts of terrorism. Jordan Greene, People.com, 26 June 2025 Webb was charged with one count of threat of terrorism. Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025 The Ban | 2024 | United Kingdom, Ireland | Roisin Agnew | Thirty years after the IRA ceasefire in Northern Ireland, this experimental archive film looks at Margaret Thatcher’s farcical broadcasting ban that saw actors hired to dub those associated with terrorism. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for terrorism

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrorism was in 1795

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

terrorism

noun
ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
: the use of terror as a means of achieving a goal
terrorist adjective or noun

Legal Definition

terrorism

noun
ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
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 adjective or noun
terroristic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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