terrorism
noun
ter·ror·ism
ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm 
: 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
Later, Congress added language to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024 prohibiting tours by representatives of countries designated as sponsors of terrorism under the International Port Security Program.
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Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024
Playing nice with the world’s foremost environmental destroyers in the name of climate change is a bit like playing nice with the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the name of peace — which the Biden administration is also doing with its Iran policy.
—The Editors, National Review, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrorism 
Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024
Playing nice with the world’s foremost environmental destroyers in the name of climate change is a bit like playing nice with the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the name of peace — which the Biden administration is also doing with its Iran policy.
—The Editors, National Review, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrorism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terrorism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near terrorism
Cite this Entry
“Terrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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Legal Definition
terrorism
noun
ter·ror·ism
ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm
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
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