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terrorist — a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈterərɪst/

Example Sentences

  • The airport security was increased after the terrorist incident.
  • My mom thinks I'm a terrorist when I leave dirty dishes everywhere.
  • The government launched a campaign against terrorist financing.

terrorist

NOUN

[/ˈterərɪst/]

a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈterərɪst/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈterərɪst/

🌳Etymology

Rootterror
Suffix--ist

Origin

The word emerged during the French Revolution, originating from the French 'Reign of Terror' (1793-1794), a period of state-sponsored violence and fear. Initially, it referred to the government's use of terror against its own citizens, but the meaning evolved to denote individuals or groups employing violence for political objectives.

Breakdown

terror (fear, from Latin terrere meaning 'to frighten') + -ist (one who practices or advocates). The suffix -ist denotes a person who engages in or supports the action or ideology of the root word.

🎵Rhyme

purist
tourist
jurist

🔗Collocations

terrorist attack
terrorist organization
terrorist threat
counter-terrorist
suspected terrorist
international terrorist
terrorist activities

📝Examples

“The airport security was increased after the terrorist incident.”

😄 Fun example

“My mom thinks I'm a terrorist when I leave dirty dishes everywhere.”

“The government launched a campaign against terrorist financing.”

😄 Fun example

“I'm a sleep terrorist - I snore so loud that I terrorize my roommate's dreams.”

📚Related Words

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