terrorist
TEH-ruh-rihst
Terrorist (noun) means a person who uses violence and fear against civilians to pursue political or ideological goals. Example: “The bombing was carried out by a group of terrorists.”
noun
1
A person who uses violence and fear against civilians to pursue political or ideological goals.
"The bombing was carried out by a group of terrorists."
"Governments around the world tightened airport security after the attack by terrorists."
"The news report described the people responsible as terrorists."
adj
1
Relating to terrorism or the people who carry it out.
"The city set up a terrorist watch list after the threats."
"Airport staff receive training to spot any possible terrorist threat."
"The documentary explains how a terrorist group recruits young people online."
How to use terrorist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who deliberately targets or threatens ordinary people with violence to force political change.
Common mistake
A loaded, politically charged word — news outlets and governments often disagree on when it applies, so it is used more cautiously in formal writing than in everyday speech.
Common pairings
terrorist attack
terrorist organization
suspected terrorist
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Etymology
From French terroriste, built from terror plus the agent-forming suffix -ist. The word first appeared in English in the 1790s to describe those behind the Reign of Terror in revolutionary France.
Related words
Rhymes for terrorist
See all rhymes for terrorist →Frequently asked questions
What does “terrorist” mean?
The word “terrorist” means a person who uses violence and fear against civilians to pursue political or ideological goals. In plain terms, someone who deliberately targets or threatens ordinary people with violence to force political change.
How do you pronounce “terrorist”?
“Terrorist” is pronounced TEH-ruh-rihst (/ˈtɛɹəɹɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “terrorist” in a sentence?
Here is “terrorist” used in a sentence: “The bombing was carried out by a group of terrorists.”
What part of speech is “terrorist”?
Depending on how it is used, “terrorist” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “terrorist” come from?
The word “terrorist” dates back to around 1790 and comes from French. From French terroriste, built from terror plus the agent-forming suffix -ist. The word first appeared in English in the 1790s to describe those behind the Reign of Terror in revolutionary France.
Is “terrorist” a common word?
“Terrorist” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “terrorist” have?
“Terrorist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who uses violence and fear against civilians to pursue political or ideological goals.
What is the difference between a "terrorist" and a "freedom fighter"?
Both can describe someone using violence for a political cause, but the labels carry opposite judgments. "Terrorist" is a condemnatory term stressing violence and fear aimed at civilians, while "freedom fighter" frames the same person approvingly as fighting for liberation. Which term is used often reflects the speaker's own viewpoint.
What is the difference between "terrorist" and "terrorism"?
"Terrorist" is the person who carries out such acts, or an adjective describing them. "Terrorism" is the noun for the practice itself — the use of violence and fear against civilians for political or ideological ends.
Can "terrorist" be used as an adjective?
Yes. Beyond naming a person, "terrorist" works as an adjective meaning relating to terrorism, as in "a terrorist attack," "a terrorist group," or "terrorist activity."
What is the difference between a "terrorist" and a "militant"?
"Militant" is a broader, more neutral term for someone who uses aggressive or confrontational methods for a cause and does not necessarily target civilians. "Terrorist" specifically implies violence and fear directed at civilians and carries a much stronger negative judgment.
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