extremism

noun

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

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Islamic extremism continues, and al Qaida is again active in an Afghanistan controlled by the Taliban. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026

Western and Asian governments feared the tenacious insurgencies could help foster Islamic extremism in Southeast Asia. — Teresa Cerojano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

The destruction of the Iraqi state helped create a vacuum in which violent extremism evolved and flourished. — Ayman M. Mohyeldin, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026

Europol does not keep statistics on nihilistic violent extremism because definitions of it differ and acts can fall into the category of ordinary criminality as well as terrorism. — Lorne Cook, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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