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

Some tension could arise when citizens report what they believe to be suspected domestic terrorism to the FBI.

From Los Angeles Times

Jessica Chastain, who stars in Apple TV+’s ‘The Savant,’ which is about domestic terrorism, publicly challenged the streamer’s decision to halt the show’s release.

From Los Angeles Times

Ultimately, Hoffman said, the U.S. does need a clear and precise law on domestic terrorism.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

Typically, the FBI or other law enforcement agencies determine whether an incident rises to the level of domestic terrorism.

From Los Angeles Times