theoterrorism

/ˌθioʊˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm/

When a terrorist commits violent acts because of religious beliefs, that violence can be described as theoterrorism.

If someone destroys a city bus with a bomb because he believes a higher power wants them to do it, it's an act of theoterrorism. Many acts of terrorism fall into this category, coming from extreme interpretations of religious law or even psychological conditions. Other kinds of terrorism are purely political, or for personal gain. The noun theoterrorism combines the Greek theos, or god, and terrorism, with its Latin root of terror, "great fear or dread."

Definitions of theoterrorism

1. noun

   terrorism for a religious purpose
   type of:

   act of terrorism, terrorism, terrorist act

   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