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” ( see Islam ( def. )); coined as a pun on ḥamās “excitement, zeal”

Example Sentences

The judges said there were "reasonable grounds" the three men bore "criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war between Israel and Hamas.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

She said she opposed Hamas and had cast her vote for a list of independents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Hamas, Fatah's bitter rival which rules over Gaza, was absent from the race.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

Since then, federal courts have found that while those charities were ruled to have ties to Hamas, the prosecutors violated the rights of the American Islamic organizations in the case.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 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)