extremism

American  

[ik-stree-miz-uhm] / ɪkˈstri mɪz əm /

noun

1. a tendency or disposition to go to extremes or an instance of going to extremes, especially in political matters.

   leftist extremism; the extremism of the Nazis.

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Etymology

Origin of extremism

First recorded in 1860–65; extreme + -ism

Explanation

Extremism is a political or religious philosophy that's very far from the mainstream. Because it's so different from the average person's politics. being an anarchist is often considered extremism. When someone's beliefs are considered to be extreme by most people — if they think, for example, that people should be executed for eating certain foods or using certain words — that person is said to practice extremism, and is labelled an extremist. These words are almost always used in a derogatory way, by people who see themselves as centrist or moderate. The Latin root is extremus, "outermost" or "farthest."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

extremism

Tens of thousands of young people of the left and the right participate, and most share a frustration with the grievance-based politics and extremism that stand in the way of problem-solving.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

But for me, moderation in pursuit of health was no virtue, and extremism in rejecting junk was no vice.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

Both monks have portrayed themselves as defenders of Buddhism against what they describe as Islamist extremism, although Gnanasara has denied any role in the riots.

From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026

This era of scrolling alone has, as Putnam halfway predicted, coincided with a rise in asocial extremism.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2026

“We will defeat the forces of extremism and militancy with the power of the people,” she declared.

From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai

Related Words

• bigotry
• hatred
• intolerance
• zeal
• zealotry