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Insight Horizon Media

How does the Department of Defense define terrorism?

Author

Robert Miller

Published Feb 15, 2026

How does the Department of Defense define terrorism?

Department of Defense Dictionary of Military Termsdefines terrorism as: The calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.

What is terrorism and how does it occur?

Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to: Create fear among the public. Try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism.

What is domestic terrorism?

Domestic terrorism: Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature.

What is a terrorist act?

The contemporary label of “terrorist” is highly pejorative– it denotes a lack of legitimacy and morality. As a practical matter, so-called acts of “terrorism” or terrorism are often a tactic committed by the actors as part of a larger military or geo-political agenda.

What is the meaning of international terrorism?

the term “international terrorism” means terrorism involving citizens or the territory of more than one country; the term “terrorism” means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents; and.

What is a terrorist threat?

Identify resources for more information about terrorist threats. General Information about Terrorism Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to: Create fear among the public.

What is the army manual definition of terrorism?

Army Manual definition terrorism is the “calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear. It is intended to coerce or intimidate governments or societies

What is pre-Vention of terrorism?

Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989: “….the use of violence for political ends, and includes any use of violence for the purpose of putting the public or any section of the public in fear.” 8. That definition had major drawbacks.

What is terrorism in simple words?

General Information about Terrorism Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to: Create fear among the public.