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

But threats from domestic violent extremists — those already present in the country, radicalized by ideologies of terrorism, hate, false narratives, anti-government sentiment or simple personal grievances — have only increased. —Michael Wilner, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025

Biden has removed certain economic penalties on Cuba and took it off a list of state sponsors of terrorism on January 14, a move criticized by Trump's new envoy for Latin America. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

Cuba began releasing some of its prisoners Thursday in the hours after President Joe Biden lifted its status as a state sponsor of terrorism. —Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Jan. 2025

The Biden administration has signaled to Congress its intention to remove Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. —Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing terrorism

• anti-terrorism
• counter-terrorism
• narco-terrorism
• state terrorism

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