Random thought for the day...

Apr 20, 2012 11:33

Why terrorism? I don't mean why do people do it, although lord knows that's a good question. But why is it called terrorism? Why not panicism? Or fearism? Or frightism? Or horrorism ( Read more... )

thoughts, terrorism, randomness

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rachel2205 April 20 2012, 10:45:01 UTC
The chronological use of the word "terrorism" or "terrorist" - at the end of the eighteenth century - would seem to strongly tie it to the application of the name Terror to the relevant period of the French Revolution. So whilst that doesn't answer your question entirely, that seems to be the historical basis.

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denorios April 20 2012, 10:51:30 UTC
Hmm, that would make sense. I didn't think about its ties to the Reign of Terror

Maybe I should find an etymological dictionary and look up the origins of the word. That said, Wikipedia tells me it is from the French 'terrorisme' and originally specifically related to state terrorism by the French government during the Reign of Terror, so...get you with the knowledge!

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ms_artisan April 20 2012, 12:35:50 UTC
I always thought it related to 'terrorise', ie. the act of causing terror.

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cabooklover April 22 2012, 01:07:48 UTC
I've never really thought about it but I'm glad to have stumbled across this post because now I don't have to wonder about it, ever. :)

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