terrorism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear
    terrorist act; act of terrorism.

WordNet

Ter"ror*ism noun
Etymology
Cf. F. terrorisme.
Definitions
  1. The act of terrorizing, or state of being terrorized; a mode of government by terror or intimidation. Jefferson. 2. The practise of coercing governments to accede to political demands by committing violence on civilian targets; any similar use of violence to achieve goals.

Webster 1913