terrorism
/ˈtɛɹəɹɪzəm/
This term carries an intense negative charge and is almost exclusively used in political, legal, and journalistic contexts to describe systemic violence. It implies a strategic use of fear to coerce a government or society, distinguishing it from random crime or spontaneous riots by its calculated, goal-oriented nature. Grammatically, this noun is uncountable. It refers to the general phenomenon or practice rather than individual acts. To refer to a single instance, one must use a partitive construction such as "an act of terrorism" or "a case of terrorism."
Refers to the general phenomenon, ideology, or systemic practice of using terror to achieve goals.
💬Casual Conversation
Ryan's contribution to the project is academic terrorism.
Seriously. We're gonna tank this whole grade.
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
state terrorism
Terrorism carried out by a state or government against its own people or against another country.
The report documented instances of state terrorism in the region.
economic terrorism
The use of economic means to create widespread fear or disruption, akin to terrorism.
Some analysts accused the sanctions of amounting to economic terrorism.
cyber terrorism
The use of computer technology to carry out terrorist attacks, such as disrupting critical infrastructure.
The government is investing heavily in defenses against cyber terrorism.
domestic terrorism
Terrorism committed by individuals or groups within their own country, targeting fellow citizens.
The investigation focused on potential domestic terrorism plots.
political terrorism
Terrorism used as a tool to achieve political aims, often through violence and intimidation.
The group was known for its use of political terrorism to destabilize the government.
Etymology
The word 'terrorism' originates from the Latin word 'terror', meaning 'great fear'. It gained prominence during the French Revolution (1793-1794) when the Committee of Public Safety, led by Maximilien Robespierre, used systematic violence and executions against perceived enemies of the revolution. This period was known as 'la Terreur' (the Terror). The term evolved to describe acts of violence intended to create fear and coerce governments or populations into specific political actions.