fundamentalism

noun

fun·​da·​men·​tal·​ism ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm 

1

a

often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching

b

: the beliefs of this movement

c

: adherence to such beliefs

a minister noted for his strict fundamentalism

2

: a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles

Islamic fundamentalism

political fundamentalism

fundamentalist

ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tə-list 

noun

fundamentalist adjective

or fundamentalistic

ˌfən-də-ˌmen-tə-ˈli-stik 

Examples of fundamentalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since independence, the nation’s Islamic heritage has been revived to some extent, but fundamentalism is definitely verboten. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Even with the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the country Ms. Eha maintained her commitment to education and was not daunted by any changes in politics. —Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Her cruel punishments, borne out of stubborn adherence to misguided religious fundamentalism, are the cause of all the movie's pain. —Clark Collis, EW.com, 1 Oct. 2024

The idea that despite Scopes’ conviction, the trial was a defeat for fundamentalism, lived on. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

fundamental entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1a