terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for terrorism 

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrorism was in 1795

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

terrorism

noun
ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
: the use of terror as a means of achieving a goal
terrorist adjective or noun

Legal Definition

terrorism

noun
ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
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 adjective or noun
terroristic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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