terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm 

: the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion

Examples of terrorism in a Sentence

They have been arrested for acts of terrorism.

Recent Examples on the Web

His office was responsible for prosecuting federal crimes, including those related to immigration, terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms and narcotics. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 7 Oct. 2026

The 22-year-old British national was taken into custody in London on suspicion of planning an act of terrorism, Counter Terrorism Policing said in a statement. — Sammy Westfall, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026

Lula’s government opposed the move, warning that applying a terrorism framework to Brazilian criminal groups could become a pretext for foreign intervention. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

An Oregon high school cafeteria chemical scare that left a student in critical condition has escalated into a domestic terrorism and attempted murder case against the same teenager school staff rushed to save. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing terrorism

• anti-terrorism
• counter-terrorism
• narco-terrorism
• state terrorism

Rhymes for terrorism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids Definition

terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌiz-əm 

: the use of terror as a means of achieving a goal

terrorist

-ər-əst 

adjective or noun

Legal Definition

terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm 

1

: the unlawful use or threat of violence especially against the state or the public as a politically motivated means of attack or coercion

2

: violent and intimidating gang activity

street terrorism

terrorist

-ist 

adjective or noun

terroristic

ˌter-ər-ˈis-tik 

adjective