terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
Synonyms of terrorism
: 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.
Milne was charged with making a threat or offering false information in reference to an act of terrorism. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 Authorities later charged Milne with one count of making threats or conveying false information concerning an act of terrorism. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Del Naja was one of hundreds of protesters arrested in London in April for holding a placard in support of the activist group Palestine Action, which is banned under UK terrorism law. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026 Cooperating witnesses often play an essential role in terrorism cases, Miller said. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing terrorism

Rhymes for terrorism

See All Rhymes for terrorism

Browse Nearby Words

terrorise
terrorism
terrorist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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
-ər-əst How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
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
-ist How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
adjective or noun
terroristic
ˌter-ər-ˈis-tik How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on terrorism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for terrorism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terrorism

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