terrorism

[ter-uh-riz-uhm]

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.

terrorism

/ ˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm /

noun

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

2. the act of terrorizing

3. the state of being terrorized

terrorism

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.)

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrorism¹

First recorded in 1785–95; terror + -ism

Example Sentences

Four men have been arrested at addresses across West Yorkshire and the Midlands on suspicion of terrorism offences, police have said.

From BBC

Netanyahu has said recognising statehood in the wake of the Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza, would amount to "a reward for terrorism".

From BBC

Six people have been charged with terrorism offences relating to encouraging support for banned group Palestine Action, the Metropolitan Police said.

From BBC

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in October, accused of a terrorism offence by showing support for a banned group.

From BBC

The Indonesian leader - who has already had to cancel a trip to China over the unrest - said some demonstrations had gone beyond what was considered peaceful and may amount to "treason and terrorism".

From BBC

Related Words

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