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extremist

American  
[ik-stree-mist] / ɪkˈstri mɪst /

noun

  1. a person who goes to extremes, especially in political matters.

  2. a supporter or advocate of extreme doctrines or practices.

adjective

  1. belonging or pertaining to extremists.

extremist British  
/ ɪkˈstriːmɪst /

noun

  1. a person who favours or resorts to immoderate, uncompromising, or fanatical methods or behaviour, esp in being politically radical

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characterized by immoderate or excessive actions, opinions, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • extremism noun

Etymology

Origin of extremist

First recorded in 1840–50; extreme + -ist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said: "I think it is a very alarming sign of how youth are being increasingly drawn to some of these extremist networks."

From BBC

The film traces how suspicion fell in particular on several members of the Jewish Defense League, a group founded by extremist rabbi Meir Kahane before his own assassination in 1990.

From Barron's

While it might discourage far-right extremists from gathering at the site, it could have "been used better or differently", the 53-year-old office assistant told AFP.

From Barron's

That vacuum is where other extremist groups thrive.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most of the extremists it feared could break out have been secured, a U.S. defense official said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.