What does terrorism mean?
Terrorism names the deliberate use of violence, or its credible threat, to intimidate people and advance political, ideological, religious, or similar objectives. It most often refers to attacks on civilians and public institutions, but the word can also describe organized intimidation, hostage-taking, or threats intended to frighten a population into political action. The term is politically charged: governments, activists, and commentators may disagree sharply over which acts or actors qualify, and accusations can themselves be used as instruments of coercion. In ordinary use, terrorism is generally an uncountable mass noun; "terrorisms" is possible but uncommon and often suggests distinct instances or varieties. The word differs from the broader term "terror," which can mean extreme fear and does not by itself specify political organization or systematic violence. Understanding terrorism therefore requires attention both to acts that can be described objectively, such as targeting, planning, and threats, and to the contested judgments involved in applying the label. Despite those debates, the concept remains central to discussions of security, conflict, law, and international relations.
nounThe deliberate use, or threatened use, of violence and intimidation to advance political, ideological, religious, or similar objectives, especially against civilians. The term may also refer to organized campaigns of fear intended to influence public or government action.
- The deliberate use or threatened use of violence and intimidation against people, especially civilians, to advance political, ideological, religious, or other objectives.
"The investigation concluded that the coordinated attack on civilians was an act of terrorism."
"The government expanded its counterterrorism program after the investigation identified links to a wider extremist network."
"Historians continue to debate whether the early use of "terrorism" was intended as an accusation or a description of revolutionary rule."
The plural is uncommon because terrorism is normally treated as a mass noun. It may be used to distinguish separate acts, episodes, or varieties of terrorism.
"The report identifies three terrorisms linked to the same extremist network."
The term "terrorism" emerged during the French Revolution, when the meanings of political violence, popular fear, and state repression were already fiercely contested.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does terrorism come from?
Terrorism combines the English noun "terror" with the suffix "-ism," which can form a noun denoting a condition, action, system, or doctrine. Both words ultimately derive from Latin terror, meaning fright or terror, and terrere, meaning to frighten. The English political term emerged during the French Revolution in the late eighteenth century, when coercive political intimidation and violence were being vigorously debated; related cognates include French terreur and Spanish terrorismo.
Related word forms
How terrorism is actually used
Terrorism is normally a mass noun. "Terrorisms" is grammatically possible but uncommon and may refer to distinct acts, episodes, or varieties of terrorism. The word is strongly political, and judgments about which acts or groups qualify as terrorism can be disputed.
Easily confused with terrorism
Terrorism denotes organized or politically motivated violence or intimidation, whereas terror primarily means extreme fear and does not necessarily imply political aims.