conscientious objector

[kon-shee-en-shuhs uhb-jek-ter, kon-see‐]

noun

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

conscientious objector

noun

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

conscientious objector

1. 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.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscientious objector¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Young men were able to choose either to serve or, if they were conscientious objectors, opt for social work.

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Army also locked up Hope, Apache and Modoc Indians there and, later, conscientious objectors to World War I.

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Eight conscientious objectors - not part of the reservists group - due to begin their military service at 18 years old have served time in military prison.

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As a conscientious objector during the Korean War in 1951, Lawson served 14 months in jail for refusing to report for the draft, and he used his imprisonment as an opportunity to study nonviolent protest.

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But access to abortion remains patchy due to the high number of medical personnel who identify as "conscientious objectors" and can therefore refuse to perform abortions.

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