Hamas

[hah-mahs]

noun

a Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist movement engaged in grass-roots organizing and armed resistance and terrorism against Israel.

Origin of Hamas

From the Arabic word hamas, literally, zeal

Hama

[hah-mah, hah-mah]

noun

a city in W Syria, on the Orontes River.

Ancient Epiphania.Biblical name Hamath.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hamas

Contemporary Examples of hamas

The question is will we see regime changes in both Hamas and Israel that embrace a lasting peace?
In the Middle East, the Two-State Solution Is Dead
Dean Obeidallah
January 2, 2015
“Supporting Hamas, or not supporting Hamas is not the issue,” said Israeli activist Miko Peled.
Pro-Palestinian Group Lectured On Skirting Terror Laws
Shane Harris
December 5, 2014
The peace process is in a coma; and ISIS, Hamas, Assad, Hezbollah, and the Iranian mullahs make Israel look like the good guys.
The Inside Story of U.S. Meddling in Israel’s Elections
Aaron David Miller
December 4, 2014
Hamas called the attack “heroic” and, disgustingly, tweeted out photos of the bodies.
Mass Murder in the Holy City
Michael Tomasky
November 18, 2014
Fighters from Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other groups did not fall back.
The Ghosts of Gaza: Israel’s Soldier Suicides
Creede Newton
October 28, 2014

British Dictionary definitions for hamas

Hamas

noun

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

Word Origin for Hamas

C20: Arabic: zeal; also an acronym for haraka muqawama islamia Islamic Armed Movement

Hama

noun

a city in W Syria, on the Orontes River: an early Hittite settlement; famous for its huge water wheels, used for irrigation since the Middle Ages. Pop: 439 000 (2005 est)Biblical name: Hamath

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

hamas in Culture

Hamas

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.