terrorism

play

noun ter·ror·ism \ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm\

Definition of terrorism

: the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion

terrorist

play \-ər-ist\ adjective or noun

terroristic

play \ˌter-ər-ˈis-tik\ adjective

See terrorism defined for English-language learners

See terrorism defined for kids

Examples of terrorism in a Sentence

They have been arrested for acts of terrorism.

Recent Examples of terrorism from the Web

Baker believes that the memorial could turn Americans toward greater understanding of what a witch hunt truly means in today’s world full of fear of terrorism.

— christine woodside, Smithsonian, "The Site of the Salem Witch Trial Hangings Finally Has a Memorial," 14 July 2017
For Trump, Jim’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of being too complacent to the threat of terrorism.

— vivian salama, The Seattle Times, "Trump in Paris: The curious case of his friend Jim," 12 July 2017
Macron said world leaders found common ground on terrorism but were otherwise split on numerous important topics.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "President Trump's isolation exposed at G-20 Summit," 8 July 2017
Huntsville police charged Sayyed with second-degree soliciting or providing support for terrorism after receiving a citizen tip and investigating.

— jonece starr dunigan, AL.com, "Gadsden couple arrested for allegedly starving horses," 7 July 2017
Our highest priority was protecting America from the threat of terrorism and strengthening our national security.

— david shortell, CNN, "Questionnaire's answers shed light on FBI nominee Chris Wray's resume, priorities," 7 July 2017
Erdogan has dismissed protesters as defenders of terrorism, and numerous counter demonstrations have popped up to show support for the president.

— firat kozok, Bloomberg.com, "In 250-Mile March, Turkey’s Opposition Starts to Find Its Way," 5 July 2017
While a federal court found that Iran had some culpability for the Sept. 11 attacks as a state sponsor of terrorism, it has not been established that Iran sponsored the attacks, which were planned and executed by Al Qaeda.

— New York Times, "Corrections: July 6, 2017," 5 July 2017
The Henry Jackson Society — a neo-conservative think tank — also urges a public inquiry into the funding of terrorism by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, the BBC reports.

— joseph hincks, Time, "A Report Claims That Saudi Arabia Has a 'Clear Link' to Violent Jihadist Groups in the U.K.," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'terrorism'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of terrorism

1795

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

TERRORISM Defined for English Language Learners

terrorism

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noun

Definition of terrorism for English Language Learners

: the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal

TERRORISM Defined for Kids

terrorism

play

noun ter·ror·ism \ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm\

Definition of terrorism for Students

: the use of violence as a means of achieving a goal

Law Dictionary

terrorism

play

noun ter·ror·ism \ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm\

Legal Definition of terrorism

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