terrorism

[ter-uh-riz-uhm]

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.

terrorism

/ ˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm /

noun

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

2. the act of terrorizing

3. the state of being terrorized

terrorism

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.)

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrorism¹

First recorded in 1785–95; terror + -ism

Example Sentences

"The Russians could not have been unaware that they were targeting civilians. This is terrorism, which the world has no right to ignore," Zelensky wrote on X.

From BBC

Meanwhile, six people remain in custody after being arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after the synagogue attack.

From BBC

By this logic, since Americans are voluntarily taking the alleged drugs, does that make drug users material supporters of terrorism?

From Salon

In total, six people are in custody on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

From BBC

Police believe that Al-Shamie may have been influenced by "extreme Islamist ideology" and said three more people, between 18 and mid-40s, had been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

From BBC

Related Words

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