'Terrorism' definitions:

Definition of 'terrorism'

From: WordNet
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 [syn: terrorism, act of terrorism, terrorist act]

Definition of 'Terrorism'

From: GCIDE
  • Terrorism \Ter"ror*ism\, n. [Cf. F. terrorisme.]
  • 1. The act of terrorizing, or state of being terrorized; a mode of government by terror or intimidation. --Jefferson. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [PJC]