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”

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Hamas

The group were members of Run for Their Lives in Colorado, which met weekly to support the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the 7 October attacks.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

Relatives of hostages formerly held by Hamas have also been caught in the crosshairs.

From Barron's ● Oct. 24, 2026

Then she noticed someone wearing what appeared to be a Hamas headband.

From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2026

Ms. Elkayam-Levy is the legal scholar and human-rights advocate who founded and led the Civil Commission on October 7th Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

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

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

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