extremism

[ik-stree-miz-uhm]

noun

1. a tendency or disposition to go to extremes or an instance of going to extremes, especially in political matters.

   leftist extremism; the extremism of the Nazis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extremism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; extreme + -ism

Example Sentences

These are the three that most clearly cross from extremism to terrorism.

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"But the truth is that I have done more in my career to defeat extremism and far-right politics than anybody else in the UK, from my time fighting the BNP right up to today."

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"The US government is showing the way forward; something that is long overdue in Germany. All forms of extremism must be combated, and all terrorist organisations must be fought and banned."

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Although some connections to right-wing extremism persist, Scheel notes that today the reception of Norse mythology is far more varied and reflects a broad spectrum of interests.

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The house has been turned into a research center to combat antisemitism and other forms of extremism.

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Related Words

• bigotry 
• hatred 
• intolerance 
• zeal 
• zealotry