Hamas

[ hah-mahs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a Palestinian Islamic militant political party engaged in grassroots organizing, armed resistance, and acts of terrorism against Israel: designated a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.

Hamas

/ ˈhæmæs /

noun

an organization founded in 1987 with the aim of establishing an Islamic state in Palestine

Hamas

A radical Palestinian organization founded in 1987 in opposition to the moderate policies of the Palestine Liberation Organization . In a controversial move, Yasir Arafat has brought members of Hamas into positions of authority within the Palestinian Authority . Hamas sponsors terrorism directed at Israel , especially in the form of suicide bombers in crowded places.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

First recorded in 1985–90; vocalization of Arabic ḤMS, abbreviation of Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmīyah “Islamic Resistance Movement,” from ḥarakat, form of ḥarakah “movement” + muqāwama “opposition, resistance” + Islāmīyah “Islamic” ( Islam ( def ) ); coined as a pun on ḥamās “excitement, zeal”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

C20: Arabic: zeal; also an acronym for haraka muqawama islamia Islamic Armed Movement

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