Origin: Greek suffix -ism
Terrorism has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
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
"The group's recent attack on the crowded market was a clear act of terrorism, designed not just to kill but to spread terror among the civilian population and force the government into surrendering their demands."
The deliberate commission of an act of violence to create public fear through the suffering of the victims in the furtherance of a political or social agenda.
"The government condemned the recent bombing as terrorism because it deliberately targeted civilians to spread terror and advance their radical political cause."
In plain English: Terrorism is the use of violence and threats to scare people and force governments or groups to do what they want.
"The government promised to protect citizens from terrorism by increasing security measures at airports and train stations."
Usage: Terrorism refers specifically to violent acts intended to instill widespread public fear rather than just causing direct harm. Use this term when describing attacks motivated by political or ideological goals, distinguishing them from random violence or conventional warfare.
The word comes from the French term terrorisme, which combines "terror" with a suffix meaning "-ism." It entered English in 1795 specifically to describe the violent methods used by the radical Jacobins during the Reign of Terror in France.