terrorism

noun

ter·​ror·​ism ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce terrorism (audio)
Synonyms of terrorismnext
: 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.
Those experiences led Kent, a Republican, to turn against the war on terrorism and overseas military operations. David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026 The head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in the UAE, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who has become one of the most vocal critics of Iran's actions, bluntly calls it economic terrorism. CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026 The bill would require couriers in charge of the cash exports to disclose additional information about the beneficiaries of the outbound cash, reporting any money heading to countries of concern, including state sponsors of terrorism and destinations identified as high-risk by the State Department. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026 The attacks – which are increasingly described as Jewish terrorism by Israeli human rights activists and journalists – have spiked again in recent weeks amid the war with Iran, which has consumed public attention. Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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
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