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

In the east, the experts said several countries expressed concern that terrorist groups like Daesh could exploit political violence and instability in conflict-wracked Sudan.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 14, 2023

"Basij, Guards, you are our Daesh," protesters chanted, likening the Revolutionary Guards and other security forces to the Islamic State group.

From Reuters • Mar. 4, 2023

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