View synonyms for terrorism

terrorism

[ ter-uh-riz-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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.
the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism.
a terrorist method of governing or of resisting a government.
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

systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve some goal
the act of terrorizing
the state of being terrorized

terrorism

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 Words From

an·ti·ter·ror·ism adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of terrorism¹

First recorded in 1785–95; terror + -ism

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Example Sentences

Terrorism is bad news anywhere, but especially rough on Odessa, where the city motto seems to be “make love, not war.”

From The Daily Beast

She is the author of Dirty Entanglements: Corruption, Crime and Terrorism (Cambridge University Press).

From The Daily Beast

Bush apologists, as always, are ready with excuses, like playing the Terrorism Card.

From The Daily Beast

Terrorism must be driven out and eradicated from the region.

From The Daily Beast

Bucca subsequently became the sole FDNY member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

From The Daily Beast

Terrorism is expedient in Russia and inexpedient in Germany and England.

From Project Gutenberg

Terrorism tests aren't anywhere close to 99 percent accurate.

From Project Gutenberg

Terrorism is seen to be a relatively gentle procedure, useful to keep in a state of obedience the masses of the people.

From Project Gutenberg

Terrorism in ghastly forms is now a part of the German method of fighting the enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

Terrorism and deception are weapons not of the strong but of the weak.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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terror terrorist

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