militant
(Adjective) Combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause, often favoring confrontational or violent methods. (Noun) A person engaged in such aggressive or confrontational action.
Implies a readiness to fight or use aggressive tactics, often beyond what is considered conventional or peaceful, to achieve a goal. It doesn't always mean violent, but it suggests a forceful, unyielding approach.
Word relationships
- aggressive: General term for forceful behavior; 'militant' specifically implies this in pursuit of a cause.
- combative: Ready or eager to fight; 'militant' adds the dimension of a cause.
- pacifist: Someone who believes war and violence are unjustifiable.
- peaceful: Not involving violence or conflict.
Commonly confused with
- activist: An activist works for social change, often peacefully; a militant is an activist who favors aggressive or confrontational methods.
Word family
- militancy (noun): The use of confrontational or violent methods in support of a cause.
- militarize (verb): To equip or train for war; to give a military character to.
Collocations
- militant group
- militant wing
- militant action
- militant leader
Example sentences
- "The more militant factions of the protest movement advocated for direct action and civil disobedience, clashing with those who preferred peaceful negotiation." Describing a protest movement.
- "Security forces apprehended several militants believed to be planning attacks on government infrastructure." Reporting on a political group.
Memory hook
Think 'MILITARY' – a militant person or group acts like they are part of a military, ready to fight. MILITARY-like
When not to use
Avoid using 'militant' to describe someone who is merely passionate or strongly committed to a cause; it carries a connotation of aggression, confrontation, or even violence.
Related words
Explore more words
belligerence, combativeness, truculent, zealotry, bellicose, truculence
Also appears in
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