crusader

[kroo-seyd-er]

noun

1. Often Crusader a participant in any of the crusades or military expeditions undertaken with papal sanction by the Christians of Europe in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries in an effort to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims.

   Orders of monks who were also knights became the "storm troops" of the Christian crusaders.

2. a participant in any vigorous movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc..

   Nepal's most prominent crusader for equal rights for sexual minorities was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crusader¹

crusade ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

He saw himself as a crusader, a champion of the underdog, an enemy of sinister authority.

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He has also shown a willingness to court controversy, notably with his pick of antitrust crusader Lina Khan to help lead his transition team.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In fact, Hegseth literally wears his love for the crusaders on his body — and believes that he has been persecuted for it.

Read more on Salon

Markets went wild after the libertarian crusader outperformed most expectations.

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From that moment, she became a globe-trotting crusader for animal rights.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitator 
• campaigner www.thesaurus.com
• zealot