Hamas

[hah-mahs]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

/ ˈ��æ��æ�� /

noun

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

Hamas

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.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

First recorded in 1985–90; vocalization of Arabic ḤM��, abbreviation of Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-��峾ī�ⲹ�� “Islamic Resistance Movement,” from ḥa��첹��, form of ḥa��첹�� “movement” + ��ܱ��ɲ�� “opposition, resistance” + ��峾ī�ⲹ�� “Islamic” ( Islam ( def. ) ); coined as a pun on ḥa�� “excitement, zeal”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Iran has for years invested in Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon with military advice, weapons and technology.

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The IDF has contested the death toll and said Hamas had caused much of the violence.

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The ballistic missiles that caused the damage in Bat Yam are far more powerful than the rockets fired by Hamas and Hezbollah over the past year and half.

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Israel says it is investigating while also accusing Hamas of trying to sabotage the operations.

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Iran's proxy forces - Hamas and Hezbollah – may be much diminished but its supportive militias in Iraq remain armed and intact.

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hamartiology hamate

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