terrorism

American  

[ter-uh-riz-uhm] / ˈtɛr əˌrɪz əm /

noun

1. the unlawful use of violence or threats to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or government, with the goal of furthering political, social, or ideological objectives.

2. the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism.

3. a terrorist method of governing or of resisting a government.

4. intimidation or coercion by instilling fear.

   For many children, terrorism at school is a fact of life, even with antibullying policies in place.

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terrorism British  

/ ˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve some goal

2. the act of terrorizing

3. the state of being terrorized

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terrorism Cultural  

1. Acts of violence committed by groups that view themselves as victimized by some notable historical wrong. Although these groups have no formal connection with governments, they usually have the financial and moral backing of sympathetic governments. Typically, they stage unexpected attacks on civilian targets, including embassies and airliners, with the aim of sowing fear and confusion. Israel has been a frequent target of terrorism, but the United States has increasingly become its main target. (See also September 11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, Hezbollah, and Basque region.)

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Usage

There is some consistency in the various definitions of terrorism adopted by U.S. government departments, agencies, and organizations, and by other Western democracies. It is generally agreed that terrorism, even against a very small segment of a civilian population, always involves a broader threat meant to instill fear in a larger community, thus requiring a response from the government. However, since September 11, 2001, the question of what actually constitutes a terrorist act has been the focus of emotionally and politically charged debates. Violent acts by white extremists have often been categorized as hate crimes, whereas similar acts by Muslims and Black people have been categorized as terrorism. The categorization often hinges on whether the perpetrators are tied to an organized group.

Other Word Forms

• antiterrorism adjective

Etymology

Origin of terrorism

First recorded in 1785–95; terror + -ism

Example Sentences

Security expert Bashir Galma, a retired army major, told the BBC that the trial, which is expected to continue in phases, was a "positive development" and a "significant milestone" in Nigeria's fight against terrorism.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

The alleged plot comes as U.S. law enforcement agencies around the country have been on heightened alert for potential acts of terrorism following the start of the latest U.S. and Israeli military strikes in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The U.S. faced new enemies: regional autocratic powers pursuing weapons of mass destruction, sponsoring terrorism, abusing human rights, and flouting international law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"I think stronger focus would be a positive thing," Ben Saul, the UN special rapporteur on protecting rights while countering terrorism, told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

I had grown up hearing the word terrorism, but I never really understood what it meant.

From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai

Related Words

• assault
• attack
• bloodshed
• brutality
• clash
• confusion
• cruelty
• disorder
• disturbance
• fighting
• rampage
• struggle