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)
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"Ideas Live On" by Benazir Bhutto (2007)
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“Address to the United Nations Youth Assembly” by Malala Yousafzai
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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.
These moments reminded me why I had fled repression and extremism in Iraq to seek a better future in America, which welcomed me with open arms.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
As a scholar of conspiracy theories and extremism, I’ve watched QAnon seep from the margins into mainstream American politics over the past decade.
From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026
Munira Mustaffa, a Malaysia-based counterterrorism and extremism expert, said they were "frustrated signalling" by insurgents intended to "get the government to return to the table".
From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026
Dame Rachel said most children being referred did not identify with traditional forms of extremism and "stronger safeguarding" was needed for this group.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
I was slightly giddy with the force of his personality but the extremism of the offer was appealing as well.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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.
