- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Origin of Terrorism Word: Almost daily, the word "terrorism" appears in news headlines, political debates, and international reports. However, have you ever thought about the true origin of this word and how it came to be related to fear and violence? Born out of revolution, political unrest and the use of fear as a weapon, the term has a lengthy and unsettling history that spans more than two centuries. On 10 November 2025, India’s capital city, Delhi, witnessed a horrific bomb blast near the Ed Fort that led to 9 deaths and several injuries. According to the source, this was a fiyadeen attack planned by an errorist organisation.
Interestingly, the term "terrorism" originally referred to government-sponsored violence rather than crimes committed by outsiders, in contrast to its current meaning. As governments, societies, and the media started using it to characterise organised violence meant to instil fear, its meaning evolved
Let’s take a look at the real origin, early usage, and evolution of this powerful term that continues to define one of the biggest global issues of our time.
Origin Of The Word “Terrorism”
The word "terrorism" was originally used during the French Revolution (1789–1799), is derived from the French word "terrorisme." It has been linked with the "Reign of Terror" (1793–1794), when the revolutionary government used violence and terror to suppress opposition and maintain control.
The people who were responsible for this political violence were commonly referred to as "terrorists", although they were government employees rather than outsiders. So, in the beginning, terrorism meant government-sponsored terror rather than insurgent or rebellious violence.
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Evolution Of The Meaning
Over time, the meaning of terrorism shifted completely.
*By the 19th century, it was being used to describe violent acts against governments by extremist or revolutionary groups.
*The term "terrorism" originated in the 20th and 21st centuries to refer to violent acts that target civilians in an attempt to create fear and draw political or religious attention.
*Today, terrorism is globally recognised as the use of violence and fear to achieve ideological, political or religious goals.
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Modern Usage Of The Term
In modern times, the word terrorism covers a wide range of violent acts, including:
* Bombings and attacks on public spaces.
* Hijackings and cyber threats.
* Religious extremism and political assassinations.
To stop such acts and maintain peace, nations all over the world now have anti-terrorism legislation and agencies (such as the UN's Counter-Terrorism Committee).
