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

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

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