crusade

American  

[kroo-seyd] / kruˈseɪd /

noun

1. Often Crusade any of the military expeditions undertaken by the Christians of Europe in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries for the recovery of the Holy Land from the Muslims.

2. any war carried on under papal sanction.

3. any vigorous, aggressive movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc..

   a crusade against child abuse.

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verb (used without object)

crusaded, crusading

1. to go on or engage in a crusade.

crusade British  

/ kruːˈseɪd /

noun

1. (often capital) any of the military expeditions undertaken in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries by the Christian powers of Europe to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims

2. (formerly) any holy war undertaken on behalf of a religious cause

3. a vigorous and dedicated action or movement in favour of a cause

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verb

1. to campaign vigorously for something

2. to go on a crusade

Other Word Forms

• crusader noun
• noncrusading adjective
• post-Crusade adjective
• pre-Crusade adjective

Etymology

Origin of crusade

First recorded in 1570–80; earlier crusada, from Spanish cruzada; replacing croisade, from Middle French. See cross, -ade ¹

Example Sentences

"To wage this moral and legal crusade, we have appointed a team of seasoned professionals with undeniable expertise," Fall announced in Paris, flanked by members of the FSF legal team.

From BBC

When Richard the Lionheart led crusades to the Middle East they were funded by crippling taxes at home.

From Barron's

When Richard the Lionheart led crusades to the Middle East they were funded by crippling taxes at home.

From Barron's

Baum has been posting about her crusade, and amassing fans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her crusade reflected her earlier shock upon seeing Lower East Side tenements for the first time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• demonstration
• expedition
• movement