According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary...

According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, the term “terrorism” is defined as the use of violent action to achieve political aims or to force a government to act and the term “terrorist” is defined as a person who takes part in terrorism [6] . Thus, terrorism is a tactic often employed by individuals, groups, or state actors to create fear and coerce governments, societies, or specific groups into making political or social concessions.

However, contrary to the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of terrorism, the aim of terrorists is not restricted to achieving political goals, but it can be aimed to achieve ideological or religious goals. Thus, the term “terrorism” is better defined as the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political, religious, or ideological objectives.

In other words, terrorism is a violent act or threat of violence against civilians or non-combatants to further a political, ideological or religious goal. From the definition above, the key characteristics of terrorism include: Use of Violence or Threats: Terrorism involves acts of violence or the credible threat of violence. This can include bombings, shootings, kidnappings, assassinations, and other forms of aggression designed to instil fear [7] .

Targeting of Non-Combatants: Terrorists often target civilians or non-combatants, including women, children, and unarmed individuals, to maximize psychological impact [8] . The goal is to spread fear and uncertainty within a broader population, beyond the immediate victims. Political and other Motivations: Terrorism is inherently political, driven by the desire to bring about change in governmental policies, societal structures, or international relations.

This distinguishes it from other forms of violence, such as criminal acts motivated by personal gain. Psychological Impact: The primary aim of terrorism is to generate fear, panic, and anxiety, influencing a larger audience than those directly affected by the violence. The psychological impact is often amplified through media coverage, which terrorists use to spread their message.

Symbolic Targets: Terrorist acts are frequently carried out against symbolic targets, such as government buildings, landmarks, or events with high visibility, to draw attention to the cause and create a broader societal impact.