Words / B2

TER-uh-riz-uh-m/ˈterərɪzəm/

Terrorism is political violence intended to create fear (uncountable): counter-terrorism; an act of terrorism. Terrorist is the person; terror is the feeling or a period of fear. Do not use terrorism for ordinary crime. UK law and news treat the word with legal precision — avoid hyperbole in exams.

Meaning

The use of violence for political aims, intended to create fear (uncountable).

Examples

• “New powers on terrorism were debated after the inquiry.”
• “Counter-terrorism officers appealed for witnesses, which is the policing sense.”

Good to know

Uncountable: terrorism; counter-terrorism; an act of terrorism. Person: terrorist. Feeling: terror. Not ordinary crime. Use precisely in essays.

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