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

The movie is about Facebook’s role and the rise of divisiveness, extremism, and hyper-partisanship in the country. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

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

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