extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmi-zəm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism

extremist

ik-ˈstrē-mist 

noun or adjective

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mykhailo Savva of the Expert Council of the Center for Civil Liberties said rights advocates know of 307 Ukrainian civilians convicted in Russia on criminal charges — usually espionage or treason, if the person held a Russian passport, but also terrorism and extremism. —Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025

The group also asked about other forms of extremism and whether the DHS has plans to evaluate any applicant’s support for any neo-Nazi or white supremacist groups. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 10 Apr. 2025

The database tracked multiple types of extremism and ideologies. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 10 Apr. 2025

The next generation will not inherit a society built on genuine understanding and progress, but one defined by ideological extremism masquerading as compassion. —Kevin Waldman, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for extremism

• endemism

Kids Definition

extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmiz-əm 

1

: the quality or state of being extreme

2

: belief in and support for extreme ideas especially in politics

extremist

-məst 

noun or adjective