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

A year later, Beijing played host to the leaders of 14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas.

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

It found that around 30,000 NCHIs had been recorded by forces between 2022 and 2025, with spikes around the time of "major events, such as the Hamas attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Western officials also fear the conflict has raised the risk of terrorist attacks by Iran and its allied militias, such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 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)