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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
Brown had pleaded guilty in September to criminal possession of a weapon as a crime of terrorism, leading to his decade-long prison sentence.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
What constitutes a terrorist organization is generally defined in existing U.S. statutes as groups that have committed acts of terrorism and that pose a national security threat to the U.S. That includes groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Ukraine denied the attack and accused Russia, which also denied responsibility and called the pipeline bombing an act of international terrorism.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
Lai, a billionaire media tycoon who had long been a thorn in the side of Beijing, was arrested in August 2020, shortly after the central Chinese government imposed a national security law that criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1795, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing terrorism
Dictionary Entries Near terrorism
Cite this Entry
“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
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
More from Merriam-Webster on terrorism
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for terrorism
Nglish: Translation of terrorism for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of terrorism for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terrorism
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