Terrorism is the use of violence and fear, especially against ordinary people, to try to force governments or societies to do what the terrorists want. Terrorists might attack public places like buses, markets, or buildings to create panic and make people feel unsafe in their daily lives.

What makes terrorism different from other kinds of violence is its strategy: terrorists deliberately target civilians (regular people going about their lives) to spread fear far beyond the actual victims. They want everyone who hears about the attack to feel scared and pressured.

Throughout history, various groups have used terrorism to pursue political or religious goals, but terrorism is universally condemned because it targets innocent people. Countries work together to fight terrorism through intelligence sharing, security measures, and law enforcement. After terrorist attacks, communities often respond by refusing to let fear win, continuing to live their lives and showing that violence won't achieve the terrorists' goals.