terroristic

Terroristic is an adjective relating to terrorism, often used to describe acts, threats, or tactics intended to intimidate governments or populations. The term derives from the noun terror and the suffix -istic, and it appears in formal writing, legal statutes, and academic discussions as a modifier rather than a noun.

In usage, terroristic generally refers to the nature or character of actions, as in "terroristic acts" or "terroristic threats." It is distinct from the noun "terrorism" (the practice or policy of using violence for political ends) and from the noun or adjective "terrorist" (a person who uses violence for political aims). While related, the three terms emphasize different aspects: act or tactic (terroristic), actor (terrorist), and system or ideology (terrorism).

Legal contexts often employ the phrase "terroristic threats" or "terroristic acts" within statutes and enforcement practices. The exact definitions vary by jurisdiction, shaping what counts as a prosecutable offense and how broadly the term is applied. In policy discussions, "terroristic" can appear in assessments of security threats, counterterrorism measures, and risk analysis. Some commentators prefer alternative phrasing—such as "terrorism-related"—to avoid potential vagueness or stigma associated with the term, depending on the legal or ethical emphasis of the discussion.

Overall, terroristic serves as a formal descriptor used to characterise violence or coercion intended to intimidate, while careful writers distinguish between the actions themselves, the perpetrators, and the broader phenomenon of terrorism. See also: terrorism, terrorist, counterterrorism.