Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person who holds extreme views: An "extremist" is someone who advocates or supports ideas, beliefs, or actions that are far beyond what is considered normal, moderate, or acceptable by the majority of society or a group.

2. Adjective:

   • Far beyond the norm: When used to describe opinions, actions, or ideologies, "extremist" means they are radical, not moderate, and often involve uncompromising and fanatical adherence to a cause.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The government condemned the attack carried out by the extremist.
  • He was labeled an extremist for his radical economic proposals.

• Adjective:

  • The group is known for its extremist ideology.
  • She holds extremist views on environmental policy.

Advanced Usage

• "to be branded/labeled an extremist": to be publicly described or categorized as a person with extreme views.

  • The activist was branded an extremist by the state media.

• "extremist elements/factions": refers to the most radical subgroups within a larger movement or organization.

  • The peace talks failed due to pressure from extremist factions within the rebel group.

Variants and Related Words

• Extremism (n): the quality or state of being extreme, especially in political or religious beliefs.

  • The party leader denounced all forms of extremism.

• Extreme (adj/n): reaching a high or the highest degree; very great. (Note: This is the root word, not a compound of "extremist").

  • He was in extreme pain. (adj)
  • She is prone to extremes of emotion. (n)

Synonyms

• Noun: Radical, fanatic, zealot, hardliner.
• Adjective: Radical, fanatical, ultra-, hardline.

Related Phrases

• "right-wing/left-wing extremist": specifies an extremist belonging to a particular side of the political spectrum.

  • The security forces are monitoring known right-wing extremists.

• "religious extremist": specifies an extremist motivated by religious beliefs.

  • The report analyzed the rise of religious extremism in the region.

Idioms

• "to drift into extremism": to gradually adopt more and more extreme views.
  • Over the years, his political commentary drifted into extremism.

Adjective

1. (used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm
   • extremist political views
   • radical opinions on education
   • an ultra conservative

Noun

1. a person who holds extreme views