terrorism

IPA/ˈterərɪzəm/
KK[tˈɛrɚˌɪzəm]IPA/ˈterərɪzəm/

terrorism — noun

1. violent acts or threats that target ordinary people, intended to create widespre

1.nounB2
Definition

violent acts or threats that target ordinary people, intended to create widespread fear and pressure a government or society into meeting political, religious, or ideological demands

Example

Hugo's report examined how modern terrorism has evolved with internet recruitment strategies.

collocation: modern terrorism

The government introduced new laws to combat terrorism after the attack in the city centre.

collocation: combat terrorism

Common collocations
  • combat terrorism
  • fight terrorism
  • condemn terrorism
  • sponsor terrorism
  • state-sponsored terrorism
  • domestic terrorism
  • international terrorism
  • act of terrorism
  • terrorism suspect
  • terrorism plot
Synonyms
  • extremism

    broader term — includes non-violent radical beliefs, while terrorism specifically involves violence or threats

  • insurgency

    focuses on organized rebellion against an established authority, not necessarily targeting civilians

  • political violence

    broader category that also covers riots, assassinations, and coup attempts

Antonyms
  • peace

    the opposite condition — absence of conflict and fear

  • diplomacy

    a contrasting method of achieving political goals through negotiation rather than violence

Grammar Patterns

often modified by a preceding adjective (domestic, international, state-sponsored, religious)

Usage Note

Terrorism is an uncountable noun and refers to the concept or practice, not a single event. For a specific incident, use 'terrorist attack' or 'act of terrorism'. Frequently paired with adjectives that specify the motivation or scope (domestic, international, state-sponsored).

Common Mistakes

A terrorism happened yesterday in the capital.
A terrorist attack happened yesterday in the capital.
terrorism is uncountable and names the general practice; a specific event needs 'terrorist attack'.
The government is fighting against terrorisms.
The government is fighting against terrorism.
terrorism is uncountable and has no plural form.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three terms involve the use of force or threat for a cause, but they differ in scope and method. Extremism is the broadest — it describes any radical departure from mainstream beliefs, whether violent or not. Insurgency refers to an organized armed rebellion against a government or occupying force, often controlling territory and operating like a parallel military. Political violence is an umbrella term covering any violence for political ends, including riots, assassinations, and coups. Terrorism is narrower: it deliberately targets civilians or non-combatants to create fear and pressure decision-makers. For example, an insurgency might attack army convoys (military targets), while a terrorist group bombs a market square (civilian targets). A person can hold extremist views without ever committing an act of terrorism.

extremism ↗insurgency ↗political violence

Common collocations

Nouns

  • terrorism suspect
  • terrorism charge
  • terrorism plot
  • terrorism warning
  • terrorism threat

Phrases

  • act of terrorism
  • war on terrorism
  • fight against terrorism
  • link to terrorism

Prepositions

  • terrorism against
  • terrorism in

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'terrorism' entered English from French 'terrorisme', which itself comes from Latin 'terror' (great fear, dread), derived from the verb 'terrere' (to frighten). The term was first used during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror (1793–1794), where it described the government's own use of fear and violence to control citizens. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, the meaning shifted from state-sponsored intimidation to the actions of non-state groups using violence against civilians for political ends.