Definition

Noun: - Terrorism for a religious purpose: The use of violent, intimidating, or coercive acts, typically against civilians, to achieve objectives that are fundamentally religious in nature. It involves using terror as a tactic to advance or enforce a specific religious ideology or doctrine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The group's actions were condemned as pure theoterrorism, aiming to establish a state based on their extreme interpretation of scripture.
  • Analysts distinguish between political insurgencies and acts of theoterrorism, where the primary motivation is theological.
  • The rise of theoterrorism in the region has complicated international peace efforts.

Advanced Usage

• As a concept in political science/religious studies: The term is used analytically to categorize and study a specific subtype of terrorism where religious imperatives are the central, declared motivation, rather than secondary to nationalist or political goals.
  • His research focuses on the historical roots of modern theoterrorism.

Variants and Related Words

• Theoterrorist (noun): A person who engages in or supports theoterrorism.
  • The theoterrorists claimed responsibility for the attack.
• Theological terrorism: A near-synonymous phrase sometimes used in academic writing.

Synonyms

• Religious terrorism: The most direct and common synonym.
• Faith-based terrorism: A less common synonym with similar meaning.

Notes on Meaning

This is a specialized compound noun formed from "theo-" (meaning god or religion) and "terrorism." Its usage is almost exclusively found in academic, analytical, or journalistic contexts discussing the motivations behind violent extremist acts. It carries a strong connotation of violence explicitly justified by religious dogma.

Noun

1. terrorism for a religious purpose