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.
The new domestic terrorism order is the escalation. Jason M. Blazakis, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025 Because once peaceful protest is accepted as terrorism, every crowd becomes a potential battlefield and every citizen a suspect. Alexis Coe, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 When Kordia was arrested in March, the government accused her of terrorism. Aida Alami, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025 The case is being investigated as an act of terrorism, officials said. Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 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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