fundamentalist

American  

[fuhn-duh-men-tl-ist] / ˌfʌn dəˈmɛn tl ɪst /

noun

1. an adherent of fundamentalism, a religious movement characterized by a strict belief in the literal interpretation of religious texts.

   radical fundamentalists.

---

adjective

1. noting or relating to fundamentalism or fundamentalists.

   fundamentalist sects.

Etymology

Origin of fundamentalist

First recorded in 1920–25; fundamental ( def. ) + -ist ( def. )

Example Sentences

He says the current narrative shows that anyone or any institution who criticises fundamentalists can be "dehumanised by labelling them pro-India, and attacks on them can be justified".

From BBC

I was a fresh-faced high school senior, living out the prime of my teenage youth in an increasingly progressive world where fundamentalist doomsday prophecies were lobbed around in jest.

From Salon

He was known for his fundamentalist biblical standards, strictly focusing on the writings of the Scriptures and eschewing sermons that touched on more modern themes.

From Los Angeles Times

To be clear, I’m no fan of the repressive Iranian regime and wholeheartedly reject its fundamentalist ideology.

From Salon

This incongruity between cosmopolitan appearance and fundamentalist message is central to their popularity.

From Salon

Related Words

• fanatic
• zealot