conscientious objection

noun

1. refusal on moral or religious grounds to serve in the armed forces or to bear arms in a military conflict.

Other Word Forms

• conscientious objector noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscientious objection¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The right to conscientious objection was abolished in Ukraine when martial law was declared in February 2022 - the month Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

From BBC

"Here, the 'art' enters the service of Marxist propaganda for conscientious objection," the catalog essay continued, referring to the practice of resisting conscription on moral grounds, even under threat of punishment by the state.

From Salon

She said her amendment, laid before Parliament on Tuesday, is "tightly drawn - not changing anything about provision of abortion care, the time limit, the right to conscientious objection or any other aspects of abortion law".

From BBC

Politicians also supported an opt-in system and conscientious objection option for health care professionals.

From BBC

Gray also said a section of the bill that would grant a right to conscientious objection could also be outside Holyrood’s devolved powers.

From BBC