domestic terrorism

[ duh-mes-tik ter-uh-riz-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the unlawful use of violence or threats against a country’s civilian population or government by an individual or group based and operating within the same country and without foreign direction, with the goal of furthering political, social, or ideological objectives.

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Usage Note

See terrorism.

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Other Word Forms

do·mes·tic ter·ror·ist noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of domestic terrorism¹

First recorded in 1975–80

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

That includes a $3-million database that was maintained by researchers to track and study domestic terrorism threats.

From

Given that most domestic terrorism cases have a right-wing motivation, they must want to see more terrorism: It is useful in cowing the rest of the population.

From

Tesla vehicles have also been vandalised, and Trump has said his administration would charge people who deface Teslas with "domestic terrorism."

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This month, Bondi branded attacks on Tesla vehicles, charging stations and a dealership that have followed Musk’s involvement with thousands of federal layoffs as “domestic terrorism.”

From

While domestic terrorism is defined in federal law, it’s not an official criminal statute that carries a specific penalty.

From

domestic system domestic violence

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