terrorism Hear it!

terrorism Definition

ter·ror·ism (ter′ər iz′əm)

noun

  1. the act of terrorizing; use of force or threats to demoralize, intimidate, and subjugate, esp. such use as a political weapon or policy
  2. the demoralization and intimidation produced in this way

Etymology: Fr terrorisme

terrorism Related Forms

ter′·ror·ist noun, adjective ter′·ror·is′·tic adjective

terrorism Law Definition

n

The threat or actual use of violence in order to intimidate or create panic, especially when utilized as a means of attempting to influence political conduct.

Terrorism Hacker Definition

Under U.S Code, section 2656, terrorism is defined to be violence brought against targets (usually noncombatant ones)—violence that is not only premeditated but also politically motivated. The groups carrying out the acts of violence are commonly subnational groups, religious extremists, or clandestine agents. The objective of their violence is to influence some audience, usually a nation or its people. International terrorism therefore usually involves acts of terrorism involving citizens of more than one country and is usually carried out by a terrorist group.

After the September 11, 2001, attacks, Al-Qaeda has been said to engage in acts of international terrorism. To counteract such offences, on April 20, 2005, the United States posted rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest of two Canadians born in Tunisia—Abderraouf Jday (aged 49) and Abdelaziz Boussora (aged 51). Both terrorists were alleged to have ties to Al-Qaeda.

According to government reports, seemingly minor terrorist activities occur on a more regular basis than most citizens would suspect, but these go relatively unnoticed because large numbers of individuals are not killed. For example, during President George W. Bush’s visit to Canada at the start of December 2004, Hydro-Quebec announced that it must tighten security around key installations after an anti-­globalization group naming itself “the Initiative for Internationalist Resistance” claimed responsibility for sabotaging a transmission tower in the backwoods of Quebec. Apparently, explosives were used in the terrorist exercise at a tower carrying high-voltage electricity to the United States. The group claimed the act was a “protest” timed with President Bush’s visit to Canada, but it had the potential to cause deaths and could thus be viewed as an attempted terrorist activity. More recently, in June 2006, an alleged group of 17 Canadian insider terrorists had their plot thwarted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Because the plan was discovered prior to any violent attacks, no one was injured.

See Also: Al-Qaeda; Critical Infrastructures; Critical Networks.

Associated Press. U.S. Canada In Brief. U.S. Offers Rewards for Terror Information. The Globe and Mail, April 21, 2005, p. A11; Canada In Brief. Hydro-Quebec Tightens Security After Sabotage. The Globe and Mail, December 7, 2004, p. A9. Wilson, C. CRS Report for Congress: Computer Attack and Cyberterrorism: Vulnerabilities and Policy Issues for Congress. [Online, October 17, 2003.] CRS Report Website. http://www.fas.org/irp/crs/ RL32114.pdf.

terrorism Usage Examples

Converse of subject

pose: With that in mind, let me turn first to the challenges posed by international terrorism.

Converse of object

  • combat: These ' extras ' are now required to help to combat terrorism.
  • glorify: This year " glorifying terrorism " became an offense.
  • condemn: We totally and completely condemn any terrorism associated with Kashmir, as we do terrorism elsewhere in the world.
  • fight: He said countries must work together to fight global terrorism.
  • state-sponsor: For the first time, U.S. military force was employed in direct retaliation to state-sponsored terrorism.
  • eradicate: Eradicating terrorism is a much more daunting task than most people realize for the following reasons.

Adjective modifier

  • international: The defeat of international terrorism will take nothing less.
  • super-bright: Super-bright military terrorism making new friends as well as.
  • nuclear: The specter of nuclear terrorism has placed a new premium on the need to strengthen the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.
  • global: In an age of global terrorism we have lost control of our borders.

Modifies a noun

  • suspect: He was told that he had the same name as a number of terrorism suspects.
  • threat: JTAC is responsible for setting international terrorism threat levels and Ministers are informed of its decision.
  • bill: The Terrorism Bill will enter Report Stage in the House of Lords on 17 th January 2006.
  • legislation: Read the Lib Dem statement on the new Prevention of Terrorism Legislation.

Noun used with modifier

  • cyber: In this world cyber terrorism is a major threat.
  • IRA: What we have suffered as a result of IRA terrorism is unforgivable.
  • suicide: In the early 1980's the IRA opted for suicide terrorism.