Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words (original) (raw)

terrorism

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.

/ ˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm /

noun

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

2. the state of being terrorized

3. 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 Note

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.

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Other Word Forms

• an·ti·ter·ror·ism adjective

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Word History and Origins

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“We will stand together as a community, united, and denounce the federal government’s continued campaign of domestic terrorism.”

An inquest into the death of a 16-year-old girl who was groomed before being charged with terrorism offences has found there were missed opportunities to help her by the authorities.

A man charged with terrorism offences, as well as arson attacks on two leisure venues and a bomb hoax, has appeared in court.

In a message on its Telegram channel, Wagner said it had "fought terrorism side-by-side with the people of Mali", killing "thousands of militants and their commanders, who terrorised civilians for years".

The judge said: "You knew about Ahmad's suspected involvement in financing terrorism and the way the art market can be exploited by people like him."