extremism
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of extremism
Explanation
Extremism is a political or religious philosophy that's very far from the mainstream. Because it's so different from the average person's politics. being an anarchist is often considered extremism. When someone's beliefs are considered to be extreme by most people — if they think, for example, that people should be executed for eating certain foods or using certain words — that person is said to practice extremism, and is labelled an extremist. These words are almost always used in a derogatory way, by people who see themselves as centrist or moderate. The Latin root is extremus, "outermost" or "farthest."
Vocabulary lists containing extremism
President Biden's Inaugural Speech (January 2021)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Ideas Live On" by Benazir Bhutto (2007)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
“Address to the United Nations Youth Assembly” by Malala Yousafzai
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Officials said the increase was being driven by a mix of online threats, lone actors, ideological extremism, foreign adversaries and individuals experiencing mental health crises.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
“I’ve never before seen U.S. government funding for such groups,” said William Allchorn, a senior research fellow at Anglia Ruskin University and an expert on radical-right extremism in the United Kingdom.
From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026
The changes were designed to toughen punishments for terrorists and enhance deterrence against extremism, some officials have said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
China vehemently denies these allegations, saying its policies have rooted out extremism in Xinjiang and boosted economic development.
From Barron's ● Jun. 11, 2026
“We will defeat the forces of extremism and militancy with the power of the people,” she declared.
From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
