terrorism
gb/tˈɛɹɚˌɪzəm/ us/tˈɛɹɚˌɪzəm/
B2
English
~ 4300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
action
1
Violence for political purposes
Using violence or fear to make people or governments do something for political or religious reasons.
Usage pattern:
[someone] commits terrorism
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'terrorism' with 'terror', but 'terror' means extreme fear, while 'terrorism' is the act of using fear and violence for a goal.
Synonyms
extremism (Focuses more on extreme beliefs or ideologies; may or may not involve violence.)
|
political violence (A broader term that includes terrorism but also other forms of politically motivated violence.)
Antonyms
peacekeeping (Refers to actions intended to maintain peace and prevent conflict, the opposite aim of terrorism.)
Collocations
combat terrorism
|domestic terrorism
|international terrorism
|state-sponsored terrorism
|terrorism threat
Themes
politics
|security
|crime
|law
Examples
- The government introduced new laws to combat terrorism.
- Terrorism has become a major concern for international security.
- The attack was condemned worldwide as an act of terrorism.
- Efforts to prevent terrorism require cooperation between nations.
- He was arrested on charges related to terrorism.
Learner examples
- The police work to stop terrorism.
- Terrorism can make people feel unsafe.
- Many countries fight against terrorism.
- Terrorism is a big problem in the world.
Grammar
Dictionary form
terrorism
IPA
GB/tˈɛɹɚˌɪzəm/
US/tˈɛɹɚˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
ter - ror - ism (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ter)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: terrorism
- Plural: terrorism
Word family
Related words
Advanced or less common
counterterrorism
noun C1
Expressions
act of terrorism
1/ˈækt əv tˈɛɹɚˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
Specific terrorist event
A single event where someone uses violence or fear for political or religious reasons.
Examples
- The bombing was described as an act of terrorism.
- An act of terrorism can have long-lasting effects on a community.
combat terrorism
1/kˈɑmbæt tˈɛɹɚˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
Take action to stop terrorism
To try to stop or fight against terrorism.
Examples
- Governments work together to combat terrorism.
- New laws were passed to combat terrorism more effectively.
domestic terrorism
1/dəmˈɛstɪk tˈɛɹɚˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
Terrorism within one country
Terrorism done by people from the same country, not foreigners.
Examples
- The attack was classified as domestic terrorism.
- Domestic terrorism can be just as dangerous as foreign threats.
international terrorism
1/ˌɪntɚnˈæʃənəl tˈɛɹɚˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
Terrorism across borders
Terrorism that involves people or groups from different countries.
Examples
- International terrorism requires global cooperation to stop.
- The group was linked to international terrorism networks.
war on terrorism
1/wˈɔɹ ˈɔn tˈɛɹɚˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
Global campaign against terrorism
The effort by countries to stop terrorism around the world, especially after 2001.
Examples
- The war on terrorism has led to increased security measures at airports.
- Many nations joined the war on terrorism after the attacks.