Druze

Or Druse

[drooz]

noun

1. Islam.,  a member of an independent religious sect living chiefly in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, established in the 11th century as a branch of Ismaʿili Shiʿism and containing elements of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and believing in the transmigration of souls and the ultimate perfection of humankind.

Other Word Forms

• Druzean adjective
• Druzian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Druze¹

1595–1605; < Arabic durūz, plural of durzī a Druze, derivative of the name of one of the sect founders, Muḥammad ibn Ismāʿīl al-Darazī

Example Sentences

The government also holds little sway in the southern province of Suweida, where tensions with the predominantly Druze population have remained high since the sectarian violence there three months ago.

From BBC

Authorities say they have postponed the polls for security reasons in two Kurdish- controlled provinces and a third which saw deadly fighting between government forces and Druze militias.

From BBC

In July, Israel bombed Syrian government forces around Suweida in the country's south as the army entered the predominantly Druze city following deadly sectarian clashes.

From BBC

Saraya, a member of the Druze religious minority, was living in Oklahoma but had returned to the family home in the Druze-majority city of Sweida to take care of his ill father, relatives said.

From Los Angeles Times

A truce halted the clashes — which began this month between Bedouin clans and the Druze religious minority — but the tallying of the losses continues.

From Los Angeles Times