militancy

American  

[mil-i-tuhn-see] / ˈmɪl ɪ tən si /

Sometimes militantness

noun

1. aggressive activism or combativeness in supporting or agitating for a cause.

   Many labor experts credit the early militancy of the Industrial Workers of the World as leading to the eight-hour work day.

2. the act of engaging or readiness to engage in war or armed aggression.

   In September 1914, Planck signed the "Manifesto of 93 German intellectuals to the civilized world" in support of the growing militancy of Germany.

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Other Word Forms

• hypermilitantcy noun
• nonmilitancy noun
• supermilitancy noun
• ultramilitancy noun

Etymology

Origin of militancy

milit(ant) ( def. ) + -ancy ( def. )

Example Sentences

But the Taliban government has denied any involvement or the use of Afghan territory for militancy.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Before moving to Paris, Matthew was a reporter in the Journal's Brussels bureau for seven years, where his coverage ranged from the eurozone economic crisis to Islamist militancy in Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Six years later, that rare, decisive victory over militancy is being eroded.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

In the 1930s, union militancy was in place at least four years before the National Labor Relations Act became effective.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2025

I was a young man who attempted to make up for his ignorance with militancy.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela