Terrorist

Definition

A terrorist is a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political or ideological aims.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛrərɪst/
• Respelling: TER-uh-rist (with "TER" as in "terrible," "uh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "rist" as in "wrist")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛrərɪst/
• Respelling: TER-uh-rist (similar to American English, with "TER" as in "terrible," "uh" as in "sofa," and "rist" like in "wrist")

In both dialects, "terrorist" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TER." The pronunciation is consistent between American and British English, accurately reflecting the word's composition.

Etymology

The term "terrorist" originates from the French word "terroriste", referring to the agents of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution who enforced revolutionary doctrine. The word is derived from the Latin "terrere", which means "to frighten".

Derivatives

• Terrorism
• Terrorize
• Terroristic
• Terrorist attack
• Counter-terrorist

Synonyms

• Extremist
• Militant
• Insurgent

Antonyms

• Peacemaker
• Civilian
• Pacifist

Usage

• "Terrorist" is commonly used to describe individuals or groups that engage in acts of violence with political, religious, or ideological motives, especially when targeting non-combatants or civilians.

Related Terms

• Jihadist
• Guerrilla
• Radical
• Fundamentalist
• Rebel

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Individual Practitioner: An individual who employs violent tactics, often targeting civilians, with the objective of instilling fear or furthering political, ideological, or religious goals.
• Example: The terrorist was captured before he could carry out his planned attack.

• Member of a Group: A member of a political or ideological group that uses violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve its goals.
• Example: Several terrorists were responsible for the bombings in the city.