Hamas

[ hah-mahs ]

noun

1. a Palestinian Islamic militant political party engaged in grassroots organizing, armed resistance, and acts of terrorism against Israel: designated a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.

Hamas

/ ˈhæmæs /

noun

1. an organization founded in 1987 with the aim of establishing an Islamic state in Palestine

Hamas

1. A radical Palestinian organization founded in 1987 in opposition to the moderate policies of the Palestine Liberation Organization . In a controversial move, Yasir Arafat has brought members of Hamas into positions of authority within the Palestinian Authority . Hamas sponsors terrorism directed at Israel , especially in the form of suicide bombers in crowded places.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

First recorded in 1985–90; vocalization of Arabic ḤMS, abbreviation of Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmīyah “Islamic Resistance Movement,” from ḥarakat, form of ḥarakah “movement” + muqāwama “opposition, resistance” + Islāmīyah “Islamic” ( Islam ( def ) ); coined as a pun on ḥamās “excitement, zeal”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

C20: Arabic: zeal; also an acronym for haraka muqawama islamia Islamic Armed Movement

Example Sentences

The president-elect is also a strong supporter of Israel, which has been at war with the Iranian-backed groups Hamas and Hezbollah since Hamas's 7 October attack on Israel last year.

From BBC

The accusation is focused around two telephone calls that Netanyahu received as the Hamas cross border raid was unfolding on 7 October 2023.

From BBC

It has also accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields by operating inside homes and civilian infrastructure.

From BBC

Iran initially launched around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

From BBC

Israel is already fighting Iranian allies - Hamas and Hezbollah - on two of its borders.

From BBC