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

He was sentenced to six years for inciting terrorism and extremism. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Last month, the State Department updated its travel advisory for Peru, warning Americans about crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Australian lawmaker Helen Haines was in critical condition on Monday after being deliberately struck by a car outside her office, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying a terrorism task force would be investigating the suspect arrested. — Reuters, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026

An ultranationalist politician, Ben-Gvir had been arrested multiple times for incitement and supporting terrorism. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 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