# terrorism

/ˈtɛɹɝˌɪzəm/ (US) · /tˈɛɹəɹˌɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/terrorism
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. political violence

noun · CEFR B2

the use of violence or threats to scare people and force a government to change its actions.

For teachers: the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government or civilian population in furtherance of political or social objectives.

- The government increased security at the airport to prevent acts of terrorism.
- International cooperation is essential to dismantle the financial networks that sustain global terrorism and radicalization.

Usage: Uncountable in general use; may be used as a countable noun when referring to specific types or instances.

### 2. the Reign of Terror

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

the period of extreme violence during the French Revolution.

For teachers: the specific historical period of state-sanctioned violence and mass executions during the French Revolution (1793–1794).

- Historians study the origins of modern terrorism by looking back at the French Revolution.
- The term originally described the state-led terrorism of the Revolutionary tribunal against perceived enemies of the Republic.

Usage: Usually capitalized as 'the Terror' when referring specifically to the French historical event.

Teaching tip: This historical sense is rare in daily conversation but common in university-level history or political science contexts.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.