extremist

American  

[ik-stree-mist] / ɪkˈstri mɪst /

noun

1. a person who goes to extremes, especially in political matters.

2. a supporter or advocate of extreme doctrines or practices.

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adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to extremists.

extremist British  

/ ɪkˈstriːmɪst /

noun

1. a person who favours or resorts to immoderate, uncompromising, or fanatical methods or behaviour, esp in being politically radical

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by immoderate or excessive actions, opinions, etc

Other Word Forms

• extremism noun

Etymology

Origin of extremist

First recorded in 1840–50; extreme + -ist

Example Sentences

Here we see hawkers and healers, experimenters and extremists, in a field every bit as raucous, competitive, risky and expensive as it is today.

From The Wall Street Journal

Top police brass nationwide rarely criticize their federal partners, relying on collaboration to investigate gangs, extremist groups and other major criminals — while also counting on millions in funding from Washington each year.

From Los Angeles Times

Cities Church has a reputation for being not just conservative, but extremist.

From Salon

The attacker was a member of the Syrian security forces who was set to be fired for holding extremist views, WSJ reported.

From The Wall Street Journal

He is also accused of watching extremist preachers online.

From BBC

Related Words

• fanatic
• zealot