terrorism
n. uncountablen. the use of violence or threats to create fear in a large group of people. It is usually done to achieve a political or religious goal.
n. the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political or ideological aims.
The government is working hard to prevent terrorism.
International cooperation is essential for tracking the funding that supports global terrorism and organized crime.
Scholars often debate the precise definition of terrorism, as the line between political insurgency and targeted violence against non-combatants can be difficult to draw in conflict zones.
From French terrorisme, from terreur + -isme. By surface analysis, terror + -ism. The word first appears in English in 1795 in reference to the Jacobin radicals of France, who ruled during the Reign of Terror.
Typically used as an uncountable noun to describe the concept or activity; specific instances are usually referred to as 'terrorist attacks' or 'acts of terrorism'.