Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words
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- ️Tue Jul 04 2023
terrorism
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.
/ ˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm /
noun
systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve some goal
the state of being terrorized
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
, 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 Word Forms
- an·ti·ter·ror·ism adjective
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Word History and Origins
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Example Sentences
Examples have not been reviewed.
"Our enemies have dared to attack the country's soul... India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism."
India has also cancelled some visas held by Pakistanis and ordered holders to leave within two days, while demanding Pakistan renounces "support for cross-border terrorism" - something Islamabad denies.
The Bush administration cultivated an understandable American fear of terrorism to justify abrogating what, until then, had been a settled consensus in this country: that torture is both wrong and illegal.
He called the war in Gaza "terrorism" and from early on he implored that there be a ceasefire.
A court in Tunisia has sentenced a group of senior politicians, businessmen and lawyers to long prison sentences on conspiracy and terrorism charges.