terrorism

American  

[ter-uh-riz-uhm] / ˈtɛr əˌrɪz əm /

noun

1. the unlawful use of violence or threats to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or government, with the goal of furthering political, social, or ideological objectives.

2. the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism.

3. a terrorist method of governing or of resisting a government.

4. intimidation or coercion by instilling fear.

   For many children, terrorism at school is a fact of life, even with antibullying policies in place.

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terrorism British  

/ ˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve some goal

2. the act of terrorizing

3. the state of being terrorized

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terrorism Cultural  

1. Acts of violence committed by groups that view themselves as victimized by some notable historical wrong. Although these groups have no formal connection with governments, they usually have the financial and moral backing of sympathetic governments. Typically, they stage unexpected attacks on civilian targets, including embassies and airliners, with the aim of sowing fear and confusion. Israel has been a frequent target of terrorism, but the United States has increasingly become its main target. (See also September 11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, Hezbollah, and Basque region.)

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Usage

There is some consistency in the various definitions of terrorism adopted by U.S. government departments, agencies, and organizations, and by other Western democracies. It is generally agreed that terrorism, even against a very small segment of a civilian population, always involves a broader threat meant to instill fear in a larger community, thus requiring a response from the government. However, since September 11, 2001, the question of what actually constitutes a terrorist act has been the focus of emotionally and politically charged debates. Violent acts by white extremists have often been categorized as hate crimes, whereas similar acts by Muslims and Black people have been categorized as terrorism. The categorization often hinges on whether the perpetrators are tied to an organized group.

Other Word Forms

• antiterrorism adjective

Etymology

Origin of terrorism

First recorded in 1785–95; terror + -ism

Example Sentences

Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS's special crime and counter terrorism division, said it had written to the families involved and would offer meetings to explain the decision.

From BBC

The former Police Scotland head of organised crime and counter terrorism said all his daughter wanted was official acknowledgement that there was an issue with the hospital's water system.

From BBC

His reporting focuses on European security, including terrorism, transnational organized crime and the shifting security landscape in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

From The Wall Street Journal

A French prosecutor Friday sought a one-year jail term for an Iranian woman accused of promoting "terrorism" online in a case linked to a possible prisoner swap with two French citizens.

From Barron's

Even before 9/11, officials in national security circles had discussed changing the structure of some of the agencies to deal with the urgent threat of terrorism following the end of the Cold War.

From Salon

Related Words

• assault
• attack
• bloodshed
• brutality
• clash
• confusion
• cruelty
• disorder
• disturbance
• fighting
• rampage
• struggle