The Terminator is a fictional character from the popular science-fiction media franchise created by James Cameron. Introduced in the 1984 film "The Terminator", this character has been portrayed by various actors over the years, most notably Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Terminator is a relentless cyborg assassin, sent from a post-apocalyptic future, with the mission to terminate (or kill) Sarah Connor, the mother of John Connor, who is destined to become a crucial resistance leader against Skynet, an artificial intelligence system that starts a nuclear war in the future.

The original Terminator model (T-800) is characterized by its towering muscular physique, cold, metal endoskeleton, and advanced weaponry. Despite its seemingly invincible exterior, it can be damaged or destroyed. In addition to its lethal capabilities, the Terminator is notable for its unyielding persistence and adaptability, making it a formidable opponent.

The Terminator has been a significant cultural icon since its introduction and has spawned several sequels, comic books, novels, video games, and other media, solidifying its place in popular culture.