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Dictionaryterrorist
noun

terrorist

Someone who uses violence or threats to intimidate people for political or ideological aims.

The terrorist threatens civilians to force the government to change policy.

Etymology
terrorLatingreat fear
+istEnglishperson associated with a practice

The fear-word combines with a person-forming ending. A terrorist uses intimidation and violence to pursue political or ideological aims.

More examples

  • Police arrest a suspected terrorist after investigating threats against election workers.
  • The group recruits terrorists to intimidate its political opponents.
  • She studies how terrorists use fear to influence public decisions.

Forms

terrorist · terrorists

terrorism noun — Violence or threats serving political or ideological aims.