Definition of "act of terrorism" [act of terrorism]

• The calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear (noun)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "None of the Lackawanna Six was ever accused of planning an act of terrorism nor had they ever joined al-Qaeda."