bioterrorism

[ bahy-oh-ter-uh-riz-uhm ]

noun

1. terrorist acts involving the use of harmful agents and products of biological origin, as disease-producing microorganisms or toxins.

bioterrorism

¹

1. The use of biological agents as weapons of terror. Anthrax bacteria are one such agent, while smallpox is considered one of the more likely lethal viruses that could serve as a weapon of bioterror. ( See germ warfare .)

bioterrorism

²

1. Terrorism that relies on spreading diseases, such as anthrax and smallpox .

Other Words From

• bio·terror·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bioterrorism¹

First recorded in 1980–85; bio- + terrorism

Example Sentences

“It’s closer to bioterrorism,” he said, adding that justifies the kind of aggressive military approach the candidates were talking about.

From Washington Times

But to date, pulling off this sort of bioterrorism has required considerable expertise.

From Science Magazine

Fearing bioterrorism in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the U.S. invested heavily in Bavarian Nordic and stockpiled over 20 million doses of the Jynnesos vaccine.

From Los Angeles Times

She was so concerned about antimicrobial resistance, she said, that it is now on Britain’s “risk register,” along with pandemics and bioterrorism, as a security threat.

From New York Times

In a video interview, Fink, who was also a producer on the series, pointed out that the hospital had a 101-page bioterrorism plan.

From New York Times