domestic terrorism

American  

[duh-mes-tik ter-uh-riz-uhm] / dəˈmɛs tɪk ˈtɛr əˌrɪz əm /

noun

1. the unlawful use of violence or threats against a country’s civilian population or government by an individual or group based and operating within the same country and without foreign direction, with the goal of furthering political, social, or ideological objectives.

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Usage

See terrorism.

Other Word Forms

• domestic terrorist noun

Etymology

Origin of domestic terrorism

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Both officials denied that Pretti’s actions constituted domestic terrorism and said they hadn’t described his actions that way to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem or Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, despite the officials’ public comments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Shortly after Pretti was killed, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had accused him of "domestic terrorism" and said he was "brandishing" a gun.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Even then, domestic terrorism is not itself a federal crime.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2026

Unlike foreign terrorism, the federal government does not have a mechanism to formally charge an individual with domestic terrorism.

From Salon • Sep. 20, 2025

Since August 1989, President PAZ Zamora, despite his Marxist   origins, has maintained a moderate policy of repressing domestic terrorism,   containing inflation, and achieving annual GDP growth of 3 to 4%.

From The 1993 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency