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

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

However, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Friday that the acts were believed to have been committed by a single activist in connection with climate extremism. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

HOPE Not Hate, a British advocacy group that opposes far-right extremism, has been tracking Patriot Platform. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

The party has pushed back on accusations of extremism as politically motivated. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 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