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Terrorist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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terrorist

[หˆterษ™rษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

international conflicts

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

Synonyms

extremist, militant, radical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
terrorist

This word is usually used to refer to someone who uses violence and fear to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. It often has a negative connotation and is associated with criminal acts.

  • The government has taken strict measures to prevent terrorist activities.
  • He was identified as a terrorist involved in multiple bombings.
extremist

Referring to a person who holds extreme views and may or may not engage in violent activities. It highlights the intensity of their beliefs and usually carries a negative connotation.

  • The group consists of religious extremists who reject any form of moderation.
  • Extremist views can sometimes lead to violent outcomes.
militant

Describes someone who is aggressive or combative in support of a cause, typically through involvement in active, physical confrontation or conflict. It can be used in both negative and neutral contexts, depending on the cause and methods.

  • The militant group clashed with government forces in the northern region.
  • Environmental activists can sometimes adopt militant tactics to draw attention to their cause.
radical

Used to describe people or ideas that seek significant or revolutionary changes in society, politics, or other areas. The term can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context and perspective.

  • The politician is known for his radical approach to reforming the healthcare system.
  • Radical ideas often challenge the status quo and push for sweeping changes.

Examples of usage

  • Terrorists have carried out a series of attacks in the region.
  • The government declared a state of emergency in response to the terrorist threat.
Context #2 | Noun

media coverage

A person who is perceived as causing fear and panic, often through violent acts.

Synonyms

menace, provocateur, troublemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
terrorist

This term is used to describe someone who uses violence and fear to achieve political aims. It often has a very heavy, negative connotation and is commonly associated with acts of terrorism.

  • The terrorist organization was responsible for the recent attacks in the city
  • Authorities have arrested a suspected terrorist who was planning to bomb a busy area
provocateur

This term refers to someone who deliberately encourages others to break the law or stir up trouble. It's often used in political or social contexts. The term can have a somewhat sophisticated or insidious connotation.

  • The government accused the journalist of being a provocateur who incites protests
  • The provocateur was seen distributing pamphlets urging unrest
troublemaker

This word is often used to describe someone who causes problems, often in a less severe or more playful manner than 'terrorist' or 'menace'. It can be used for both serious and minor mischief.

  • The teacher called him a troublemaker because he always disrupted the class
  • She's a bit of a troublemaker, always playing pranks on her friends
menace

This word refers to someone or something that is a source of danger or harm. It can be used in serious or light-hearted contexts, depending on the situation, but it usually suggests a threat.

  • The escaped lion was a menace to the nearby villages
  • He's a menace on the soccer field, always knocking over other players

Examples of usage

  • The media labeled the individual as a terrorist after the attack.
  • The terrorist attack shocked the nation and dominated headlines.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'terrorist'

The word 'terrorist' originated in the late 18th century from the French word 'terroriste', which in turn was derived from the Latin word 'terror', meaning 'great fear'. Initially used during the French Revolution to describe those who advocated violence and intimidation to achieve political goals, the term 'terrorist' has evolved to encompass a broader range of individuals and groups engaging in similar activities.

See also: terribly, terrific, terrorism.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,895 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.