extremism

1 of 3

noun (1)

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmi-zəm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism

extremist

ik-ˈstrē-mist 

noun or adjective

extremist

2 of 3

noun (2)

ex·​trem·​ist -ēmə̇st sometimes -em- 

plural -s

: an adherent or advocate of extremism

especially : radical

extremist

3 of 3

adjective

"

variants or less commonly extremistic

¦⸗(ˌ)⸗¦mistik

: of, relating to, or favoring extremism or extremists

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Sabellico had characterized his campaign as one opposing extremism, while Allman billed his as focused on improving academics and transparency. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2026

The outbreak, reported in 14 of Borno state’s 27 local governments, is unfolding in communities with health systems made fragile by nearly two decades of violent extremism from the Boko Haram insurgent group. —ABC News, 9 June 2026

Until 2011, Prevent was aimed specifically at Islamist extremism. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 7 June 2026

These fantasies can all skew toward exclusionary extremism on the left and the right. —Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

extreme entry 2 + -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmiz-əm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: belief in and support for extreme ideas especially in politics

extremist

-məst 

noun or adjective