Terrorist
/ˈtɛrərɪst/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who uses violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims or objectives.
/ˈtɛrərɪst/
A person who uses or supports terrorism.
The government is actively pursuing terrorists who threaten national security.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who uses violence or threats to scare people and achieve political goals. It's like when someone tries to get their way by making others really afraid.
👶 For kids: A grown-up who uses scary things to scare people and get what they want.
More Examples
News reports highlighted the terrorist's actions and their devastating impact on the community.
The international community agreed to work together to stop terrorists from spreading violence.
How It's Used
"Governments around the world are working to combat terrorists and their activities."
"The actions of the terrorist group were condemned internationally."
Relating to or practicing terrorism; using violence, intimidation, and fear to achieve political aims.
/ˈtɛrərɪst/
Relating to or characteristic of terrorism.
The government condemned the terrorist act as a violation of human rights.
💡 Simply: This word describes anything connected to terrorism – like a terrorist act, or a terrorist group. Think 'scary and violent'!
👶 For kids: Something that is really, really scary because it is done by a terrorist.
More Examples
The police are investigating a terrorist plot to disrupt the event.
The country's laws were tightened in response to terrorist threats.
How It's Used
"The court is handling a terrorist attack case."
"The authorities are investigating terrorist activities."
Idioms & expressions
Acts of terrorism
Violent actions intended to create fear, committed for political, religious, or ideological purposes.
"The government strongly condemned the acts of terrorism that occurred last night."
From French *terroriste*, from *terror* (fear, terror), from Latin *terrere* (to frighten). The term gained widespread use during the French Revolution to describe those who used terror as a political tool.
The term gained prominence during the French Revolution, but its application and meaning have evolved significantly over time.
Memory tip
Think of 'terror' and add 'ist' to indicate someone who embodies or practices terror.