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

In August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, helping paving the way for the latest step in drawing closer to the current government. — Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026

Five men were arrested early Sunday on suspicion of explosive offenses and later terrorism charges near a Royal Air Force base at Fairford in western England, from where US B-1 bombers have been flying missions against Iran. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

In August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, helping paving the way for the latest step in drawing closer to the current government. — Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Israeli authorities are also examining whether terrorism could have played a role. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

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
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

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