conscientious objector

[ kon-shee-en-shuhsuhb-jek-ter, kon-see‐ ]

/ ˌkɒn ʃiˈɛn ʃəs əbˈdʒɛk tər, ˌkɒn si‐ /

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See synonyms for conscientious objector on Thesaurus.com

noun

a person who refuses on moral or religious grounds to serve in the armed forces or to bear arms in a military conflict.

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Origin of conscientious objector

First recorded in 1820–30

Words nearby conscientious objector

conscience clause, conscience money, conscience-stricken, conscientious, conscientious objection, conscientious objector, conscionable, conscious, consciously, consciousness, consciousness-expanding

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use conscientious objector in a sentence

“This is not about saving Christmas from the secularists, but rather from overly conscientious Christians,” Wilson writes.
Kirk Cameron Saves Christmas from Abominable Killjoys (Other Christians)|Brandy Zadrozny|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Her preparation sounds like normal due diligence by a conscientious executive for the task in hand.
Murdoch on the Rocks: How a Lone Reporter Revealed the Mogul's Tabloid Terror Machine|Clive Irving|August 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Early on, we had been conscientious about providing them with gender-neutral toys like blocks, balls, and puzzles.
Why I Finally Let My Girls Be Girly|Andy Hinds|May 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Thus spoke countless, earlier generations of failed, though no doubt principled and conscientious, revolutionaries.
Ukraine’s Vigilante Peacemakers|James Kirchick|May 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Ron, who was only 27 at the time, had been a conscientious objector.
Remembering Ron Moreau: Goodbye To A War Reporting Legend|Christopher Dickey|May 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I suppose he is sick of the sound of them, or perhaps it is because he feels obliged to be conscientious in teaching Beethoven!
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
Keen and canny, they drive a close bargain but, scrupulous and conscientious, fulfil it faithfully.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
It proceeds neither from wrath, that is, from the fear of their wrath, nor from a conscientious sense of obligation to obey them.
The Ordinance of Covenanting|John Cunningham
Not much intellect, but most conscientious and as faithful as an old watch dog.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
His master may be a man of some conscientious scruples; ours may be unmerciful.
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States|Martin R. Delany

British Dictionary definitions for conscientious objector

conscientious objector

noun

a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces on the grounds of conscience

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for conscientious objector

conscientious objector

A person who refuses to render military service on the grounds of moral principle or religious belief. A CO must demonstrate a sincere, active, and long-standing objection in order to receive an exemption from armed service. The United States and some European governments officially recognize CO status; approved COs are usually required to perform social service or noncombat military service in place of armed duty. (See also draft, draft dodger, and Selective Service System.)

conscientious objector

Origin of conscientious objector

Words nearby conscientious objector

Words related to conscientious objector

How to use conscientious objector in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for conscientious objector

Cultural definitions for conscientious objector