Daesh

American  

[dah-eesh, dahsh] / dɑˈiʃ, dɑʃ /

Or Da'ish or Da'esh

noun

1. a name used to refer to ISIS/ISIL, the radical Sunni Muslim organization: use of this name is said to delegitimize the group's claim to be an "Islamic state."

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Etymology

Origin of Daesh

Acronym of the group's full Arabic name, al-Dawla al-Islamiya fi al-Iraq wa al-Sham , translated as “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (or the Levant)”

Example Sentences

"This facility had been occupied by Daesh, most likely to store weapons and explosives. The area around the facility is devoid of any civilian habitation," the statement added.

From Barron's • Jan. 4, 2026

IS - also known as Daesh - imposed jihadist rule over parts of Syria and Iraq until 2019.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

The operational capabilities of the Daesh affiliate known as ISIL-K has reportedly increased, “with the group becoming more sophisticated in its attacks against the Taliban and international targets,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 25, 2023

Qaradawi also opposed the ultra-radical Islamic State group, saying he totally disagreed with Daesh "in ideology and means".

From Reuters • Sep. 26, 2022

The mission was under the control of Operation Inherent Resolve - the US-led coalition against the Islamic State, also known as Daesh.

From Washington Times • Jun. 16, 2022