crusader

American  

[kroo-seyd-er] / kruˈseɪd ər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of crusader

crusade ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The film mourns all such political crusaders whose names we never knew, although it wears its commentary lightly.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Literature

Khan gained a reputation as a trustbusting crusader under Biden before stepping down earlier this year.

From 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.

From Salon

Markets went wild after the libertarian crusader outperformed most expectations.

From Barron's

Related Words

• agitator
• campaigner
• zealot