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

All of these areas have significantly degraded in the U.S. over the last few decades due to partisan polarization and political extremism. —Jennifer Victor, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025

No one has been seriously hurt, but the incidents have heightened alarm from both law enforcement officials and experts in political extremism. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025

The AfD has repeatedly rejected the accusations of extremism. —Carlo Angerer, NBC News, 9 Mar. 2025

And Louise Richardson similarly critiques military methods, arguing that the use of overwhelming force often exacerbates extremism rather than curtailing it. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 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