Hamas

[ hah-mahs ]
/ hɑˈmɑs /

noun

a Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist movement engaged in grass-roots organizing and armed resistance and terrorism against Israel.

Origin of Hamas

From the Arabic word hamas, literally, zeal

Definition for hamas (2 of 2)

Hama
[ hah-mah, hah-mah ]
/ ˈhɑ mɑ, hɑˈmɑ /

noun

a city in W Syria, on the Orontes River.
Ancient Epiphania. Biblical name Hamath.

Example sentences from the Web for hamas

British Dictionary definitions for hamas (1 of 2)

Hamas
/ (ˈhæmæs) /

noun

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

Word Origin for Hamas

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

British Dictionary definitions for hamas (2 of 2)

Hama
/ (ˈhɑːmɑː) /

noun

a city in W Syria, on the Orontes River: an early Hittite settlement; famous for its huge water wheels, used for irrigation since the Middle Ages. Pop: 439 000 (2005 est) Biblical name: Hamath

Cultural definitions for hamas

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.