extremism

1 of 3

noun (1)

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

extremist

2 of 3

noun (2)

ex·​trem·​ist -ēmə̇st sometimes -em- 

plural -s

: an adherent or advocate of extremism

especially : radical

extremist

3 of 3

adjective

"

variants or less commonly extremistic

¦⸗(ˌ)⸗¦mistik

: of, relating to, or favoring extremism or extremists

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In a world fractured by power, fear and political extremism, a group of women uncovers a demonic force operating at the highest level of society-and realizes the chaos around them may be part of a much darker design. — Annika Pham, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026

Many reform advocates who are concerned about political extremism have proposed changing primary election laws. — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026

Back in 2009, there was a Department of Homeland Security report that predicted a rise in far-right extremism. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

Barber argued that unfettered capitalism and the backlash to it, which was increasingly expressed through forms of fundamentalist extremism, although in contest with each other, were both a danger to democracies. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

extreme entry 2 + -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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