Terrorism
/ˈtɛrərɪzəm/
Definitions
The use of violence and fear to achieve political or ideological goals.
/ˈtɛrərɪzəm/
The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.
The government is working to combat terrorism.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone causing big problems and scaring people on purpose to get their way. Like if they bombed a building or took hostages to make people follow their rules. It's a way to use fear and violence to force change or get attention. Governments and everyone else usually dislike terrorism.
👶 For kids: When bad people use scary things like bombs to make people afraid and try to get what they want.
More Examples
The act was widely condemned as an act of terrorism.
Terrorism has become a major threat to global security.
How It's Used
"Terrorism is often used as a tool to destabilize governments and advance political agendas."
"The global community is united in its condemnation of terrorism."
"Acts of terrorism are considered crimes against humanity."
Idioms & expressions
State terrorism
Terrorist acts committed by a government against its own citizens or against other states.
"The government was accused of state terrorism for its human rights abuses."
War on Terror
A global military and political campaign launched by the United States in response to the September 11 attacks.
"The War on Terror has had a significant impact on international relations."
From French *terrorisme*, from *terreur* (terror), ultimately from Latin *terror* (great fear, dread). The term gained prominence during the French Revolution and was later applied to various acts of political violence.
The term 'terrorism' emerged during the French Revolution and was initially used to describe the actions of the state. Its meaning evolved to encompass non-state actors and their violent tactics in pursuit of political goals.
Memory tip
Think of a 'terror' attack causing fear (terror) that creates 'ism', a method or belief; hence, terrorism.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: terror