crusader

[kroo-seyd-er]

noun

1. Often Crusader a participant in any of the crusades or military expeditions undertaken with papal sanction by the Christians of Europe in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries in an effort to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims.

   Orders of monks who were also knights became the "storm troops" of the Christian crusaders.

2. a participant in any vigorous movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc..

   Nepal's most prominent crusader for equal rights for sexual minorities was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crusader¹

crusade ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

From that moment, she became a globe-trotting crusader for animal rights.

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Hawke’s rangy crusader happens to be a magnet for that type of trouble.

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“In a few short months, how did you go from being a crusader for accountability and transparency with the Epstein files to being part of the conspiracy and cover-up?”

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It is the story of Mary Roy, her formidable, mercurial mother: feminist icon, educator, crusader, eccentric, bully, inspiration.

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Its crusader is a magnificent doofus trying to improve himself.

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Related Words

• agitator 
• campaigner www.thesaurus.com
• zealot