---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What's the definition of terrorism? It's…"
description: "\"What's the definition of terrorism? It's to achieve an objective through the use of force and fear. These are just nasty, evil, disgusting human beings..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf8/tim-kennedy-9370_disrespect_what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s_88457.jpg"
---

#  What's the definition of terrorism? It's to achieve an…

![“What's the definition of terrorism? It's to achieve an objective through the use of force and fear. These are just nasty, evil, disgusting human beings who disrespect human life.” quote by Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf8/tim-kennedy-9370_disrespect_what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s_88457.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf8/tim-kennedy-9370_disrespect_what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s_88457.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf8/tim-kennedy-9370_disrespect_what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s_88457.jpg)

> “What's the definition of terrorism? It's to achieve an objective through the use of force and fear. These are just nasty, evil, disgusting human beings who disrespect human life.”

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Terrorism is defined as using force and fear to achieve political goals, reflecting a profound disregard for human life.

**In simple terms:** Violence for political ends shows contempt for humanity.

Key Takeaway

Terrorism exploits fear for objectives.

Themes

politics violence ethics human rights

Mood

ouarrassed critical

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

- policy debates
- counter‑terrorism training
- public discourse

Key Concepts

moral philosophy security studies

Practical Applications

- Develop community resilience programs
- Promote dialogue to address grievances

Questions to Reflect On

- When does resistance become terrorism?
- How can societies address the root causes of terror?

A Different Perspective

The definition can be contested by groups labeling their own actions as resistance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Disrespect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disrespect/) [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Goals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goals/) [Human life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-life/) [Israel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/israel/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Terrorism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/terrorism/) [Use of force](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/use-of-force/)

## Related quotes

> [“If every parent unwound a kid due to disrespect, the human race would go extinct in a single generation”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-shusterman/if-every-parent-unwound-a-kid-due-to-disrespect-the-human-race-would/)

[Neal Shusterman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-shusterman/)

> [Enough of this occupation, terror and abuse. We are not in need of your help. We are able to combat and defeat terrorism, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/muqtada-al-sadr/enough-of-this-occupation-terror-and-abuse-we-are-not-in-need-of-your/)

[Muqtada al Sadr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/muqtada-al-sadr/)

> [We still lack a global definition of terrorism.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gijs-de-vries/we-still-lack-a-global-definition-of-terrorism/)

[Gijs de Vries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gijs-de-vries/)

> [The definition of terrorism is killing civilians with the intent of changing their political affiliation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caleb-carr/the-definition-of-terrorism-is-killing-civilians-with-the-intent-of/)

[Caleb Carr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caleb-carr/)

> [Large numbers have been punished on the basis of a broad and vague definition of terrorism and a worryingly low threshold of evidence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/crispin-blunt/large-numbers-have-been-punished-on-the-basis-of-a-broad-and-vague/)

[Crispin Blunt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/crispin-blunt/)

> [We face an essential need to reach a definition of terrorism that will enjoy wide international agreement, thus enabling international operations against terrorist organizations.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/boaz-ganor/we-face-an-essential-need-to-reach-a-definition-of-terrorism-that/)

Boaz Ganor

> [The definition of terrorism has to be more precise, so that we are able to discriminate between, for example, what it is that the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-said/the-definition-of-terrorism-has-to-be-more-precise-so-that-we-are/)

[Edward Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-said/)

> [There is no definition of terrorism and there is still the reality that one person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kumi-naidoo/there-is-no-definition-of-terrorism-and-there-is-still-the-reality/)

[Kumi Naidoo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kumi-naidoo/)

> [“After the tragedy of Las Vegas sad incident... Definition of terrorism has got two meanings now, If done by a Muslim, IT IS AN…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/usman-aman/after-the-tragedy-of-las-vegas-sad-incident-definition-of-terrorism/)

[Usman Aman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/usman-aman/)

> [The commonly accepted definition of terrorism is that it is politically motivated violence directed at civilians by entities other than a state. These kind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-bergen/the-commonly-accepted-definition-of-terrorism-is-that-it-is/)

[Peter Bergen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-bergen/)

> [Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/terrorism-is-the-unlawful-use-of-force-or-violence-against-persons-or/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“Observe the nature of today’s alleged peace movements. Professing love and concern for the survival of mankind, they keep screaming that the nuclear-weapons race…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayn-rand/observe-the-nature-of-today-s-alleged-peace-movements-professing-love/)

[Ayn Rand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ayn-rand/)

> [“Marxism rejected the family and the state, but in practice it kept these institutions. Every pure religion disapproved of man's worrying about this world,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alija-izetbegovic/marxism-rejected-the-family-and-the-state-but-in-practice-it-kept/)

[Alija Izetbegović](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alija-izetbegovic/)

> [I believe with all my heart that our first priority must be world peace, and that use of force is always and only a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/i-believe-with-all-my-heart-that-our-first-priority-must-be-world/)

[Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/)

> [“Defence lawyers use the term "duress" to describe the use of force, coercion or psychological pressure exerted on a client in the commission of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-thorne/defence-lawyers-use-the-term-duress-to-describe-the-use-of-force/)

[Emily Thorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-thorne/)

## More by Tim Kennedy

> [I'm an eight-year Green Beret, Ranger, sniper.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/i-m-an-eight-year-green-beret-ranger-sniper/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [I have no problem putting on a kit, carrying a big sniper rifle, and running a few thousand meters.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/i-have-no-problem-putting-on-a-kit-carrying-a-big-sniper-rifle-and/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [When you're in Ranger School, it sucks. You're not eating; you're not sleeping. You're marching miles - for months at a time. It's horrible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/when-you-re-in-ranger-school-it-sucks-you-re-not-eating-you-re-not/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [I always have that nagging feeling of wanting to go back and getting my long gun back and be a sniper on a Special…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/i-always-have-that-nagging-feeling-of-wanting-to-go-back-and-getting/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [Peacetime Special Forces are different than wartime Special Forces. And I'm just not sure I was born to be in peace time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/peacetime-special-forces-are-different-than-wartime-special-forces/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [Fighting is a very independent thing, and it's not a team sport, and it's not the NFL, you know, because we don't have to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/fighting-is-a-very-independent-thing-and-it-s-not-a-team-sport-and-it/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [I love the idea of what America is. America is a bunch of people that do these incredible, thankless, selfless jobs that nobody really…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/i-love-the-idea-of-what-america-is-america-is-a-bunch-of-people-that/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [I hit hard, and I'm hard to take down.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/i-hit-hard-and-i-m-hard-to-take-down/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [There are some parallels between 'Zombieland' and 'Range 15,' except 'Zombieland,' with Woody Harrelson, there's this pleasurable fun in every scene.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/there-are-some-parallels-between-zombieland-and-range-15-except/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [I think the most rewarding thing is going over and being deployed and having done meaningful things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/i-think-the-most-rewarding-thing-is-going-over-and-being-deployed-and/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [I don't need MMA, but I love fighting. Those are very different things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/i-don-t-need-mma-but-i-love-fighting-those-are-very-different-things/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [No matter what I do, it's all about the workouts. When I travel, I make sure I get my workout in first. When I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/no-matter-what-i-do-it-s-all-about-the-workouts-when-i-travel-i-make/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [I'm competitive when I fight, but I don't get emotionally involved.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/i-m-competitive-when-i-fight-but-i-don-t-get-emotionally-involved/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [I'm not hard to find unless you're ISIS - then, it's a rough night.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/i-m-not-hard-to-find-unless-you-re-isis-then-it-s-a-rough-night/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

> [Michael Bisping, we had a five round battle. I beat him for five rounds and tripled the amount of strikes landed. I landed more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/michael-bisping-we-had-a-five-round-battle-i-beat-him-for-five-rounds/)

[Tim Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

[Explore all 73 Tim Kennedy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/)

## More Disrespect quotes

> [I'm supportive of women, absolutely, and it's so gratifying to have girls come up and say, 'I'm really inspired by your guitar playing.' I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/st-vincent/i-m-supportive-of-women-absolutely-and-it-s-so-gratifying-to-have/)

[St. Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/st-vincent/)

> [Stop holding onto people that treat you like crap. They might be nice sometimes, but the rest of the time they disrespect you and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sonya-parker/stop-holding-onto-people-that-treat-you-like-crap-they-might-be-nice/)

[Sonya Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sonya-parker/)

> [“He or She who disrespect others is due to the lack of respect for themselves”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angelique-e-constance/he-or-she-who-disrespect-others-is-due-to-the-lack-of-respect-for/)

Angelique E. Constance

> [Well, 'aight, check this out, dawg. First of all, you throwin' too many big words at me, and because I don't understand them, I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-hart/well-aight-check-this-out-dawg-first-of-all-you-throwin-too-many-big/)

[Kevin Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-hart/)

> [I don't think that in humor and jokes, in whatever way they are done, there is any kind of disrespect.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rajpal-yadav/i-don-t-think-that-in-humor-and-jokes-in-whatever-way-they-are-done/)

[Rajpal Yadav](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rajpal-yadav/)

> [I will never hate on you, unless you disrespect me, or hate on me first. That's just the kind of person I am. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikhil-saluja/i-will-never-hate-on-you-unless-you-disrespect-me-or-hate-on-me-first/)

[Nikhil Saluja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikhil-saluja/)

> [No disrespect to county cricket but when you're playing for England it is the ultimate, it is what has always driven me to push…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alastair-cook/no-disrespect-to-county-cricket-but-when-you-re-playing-for-england/)

[Alastair Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alastair-cook/)

> [I want to kiss God on His nose and watch Him sneeze and so do you. Not out of disrespect. Out of pique. Out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-sexton/i-want-to-kiss-god-on-his-nose-and-watch-him-sneeze-and-so-do-you-not/)

[Anne Sexton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-sexton/)

> [I am quite prepared, if we can do it without any disrespect to the Crown of England, to bring our titles to the marketplace…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wilfrid-laurier/i-am-quite-prepared-if-we-can-do-it-without-any-disrespect-to-the/)

[Wilfrid Laurier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilfrid-laurier/)

> [Now I'm not the type that gets upset, Try to disrespect folks just to earn respect. But learn this fact: whether white or black,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/slick-rick/now-i-m-not-the-type-that-gets-upset-try-to-disrespect-folks-just-to/)

[Slick Rick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/slick-rick/)

> [That showed a total lack of disrespect from the player.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/garth-crooks/that-showed-a-total-lack-of-disrespect-from-the-player/)

[Garth Crooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/garth-crooks/)

> [I could give a flying flip about doing promo because, no disrespect, nobody put me in the position that I'm in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-gates/i-could-give-a-flying-flip-about-doing-promo-because-no-disrespect/)

[Kevin Gates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-gates/)

> [I rather be single then be with a person who disrespect me, for who I am.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-rather-be-single-then-be-with-a-person-who-disrespect-me-for-who-i/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [“If you feel disrespected leave in silence.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jordan-hoechlin/if-you-feel-disrespected-leave-in-silence/)

[Jordan Hoechlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jordan-hoechlin/)

> [“I would take care you speak of her with respect for, of course, I will interpret any disrespect for her as disrespect for me.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-moore/i-would-take-care-you-speak-of-her-with-respect-for-of-course-i-will/)

Margaret Moore

[Browse all 526 Disrespect quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disrespect/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "What's the definition of terrorism? It's to achieve an objective through the use of force and fear. These are just nasty, evil, disgusting human beings who disrespect human life.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Tim Kennedy"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s-to-achieve-an-objective/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Disrespect"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s-to-achieve-an-objective/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf8/tim-kennedy-9370_disrespect_what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s_88457.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf8/tim-kennedy-9370_disrespect_what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s_88457.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf8/tim-kennedy-9370_disrespect_what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s_88457.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“What's the definition of terrorism? It's to achieve an objective through the use of force and fear. These…” — Tim Kennedy",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Tim Kennedy",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kennedy/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "What's the definition of terrorism? It's...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s-to-achieve-an-objective/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kennedy/what-s-the-definition-of-terrorism-it-s-to-achieve-an-objective/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
