conscientious objector
a person who refuses on moral or religious grounds to serve in the armed forces or to bear arms in a military conflict.
Origin of conscientious objector
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use conscientious objector in a sentence
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 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd as far as the Vietnam War goes, I read that you were a conscientious objector.
Harrison Ford Discusses ‘Ender’s Game,’ Drone Warfare, Vietnam, and Playing A Badass President | Marlow Stern | October 28, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTIn short, I am not a conscientious objector in these matters.
The conscientious objector doesn't seem to be having such a soft time after all.
"One variety of conscientious objector was not enough for Mr. Baker," declared Representative ——.
The Behavior of Crowds | Everett Dean Martin
Hostility to the conscientious objector is thus a "projection" of their own inner conflict.
The Behavior of Crowds | Everett Dean Martin"It hasn't turned me into a conscientious objector, if you mean that," he said.
Up and Down | Edward Frederic BensonEven a conscientious objector loses his conscience when there is a woman in the case.
Mud and Khaki | Vernon Bartlett
British Dictionary definitions for conscientious objector
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
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.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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