Hamas

American  

[hah-mahs] / hɑˈmɑs /

noun

1. a Palestinian Islamic militant political party engaged in grassroots organizing, armed resistance, and acts of terrorism against Israel: designated a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.

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Hamas British  

/ ˈhæmæs /

noun

1. an organization founded in 1987 with the aim of establishing an Islamic state in Palestine

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Hamas Cultural  

1. A radical Palestinian organization founded in 1987 in opposition to the moderate policies of the Palestine Liberation Organization. In a controversial move, Yasir Arafat has brought members of Hamas into positions of authority within the Palestinian Authority. Hamas sponsors terrorism directed at Israel, especially in the form of suicide bombers in crowded places.

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Etymology

Origin of Hamas

First recorded in 1985–90; vocalization of Arabic ḤMS, abbreviation of Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmīyah “Islamic Resistance Movement,” from ḥarakat, form of ḥarakah “movement” + muqāwama “opposition, resistance” + Islāmīyah “Islamic” ( Islam ( def. ) ); coined as a pun on ḥamās “excitement, zeal”

Example Sentences

The market entirely shrugged off the Cuban missile crisis, the Kennedy assassination, the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Some reservists have already served five or more tours since the 2023 Hamas attacks, and there are anecdotal reports of that some are refusing to serve again.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

He was Middle East bureau chief when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Meanwhile, traders and shopkeepers complain that Hamas has imposed heavy taxes on goods and services – pushing up prices in Gaza even further.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

I have heard it said in the village—Bill Hamas, the carpenter, declares that there are double doors.

From The Vanished Messenger by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)