conscientious objector

[ kon-shee-en-shuhs uhb-jek-ter, kon-see‐ ]

noun

1. a person who refuses on moral or religious grounds to serve in the armed forces or to bear arms in a military conflict.

conscientious objector

noun

1. a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces on the grounds of conscience

conscientious objector

1. A person who refuses to render military service on the grounds of moral principle or religious belief. A CO must demonstrate a sincere, active, and long-standing objection in order to receive an exemption from armed service. The United States and some European governments officially recognize CO status; approved COs are usually required to perform social service or noncombat military service in place of armed duty. ( See also draft , draft dodger , and Selective Service System .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of conscientious objector¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

As a conscientious objector during the Korean War in 1951, Lawson served 14 months in jail for refusing to report for the draft, and he used his imprisonment as an opportunity to study nonviolent protest.

From Los Angeles Times

But access to abortion remains patchy due to the high number of medical personnel who identify as "conscientious objectors" and can therefore refuse to perform abortions.

From BBC

Gumbleton said if he were a young man drafted into U.S. military service at that time he would go to jail or even leave the country if turned down as a conscientious objector.

From Seattle Times

The percentage of doctors who refuse to perform abortions as conscientious objectors reaches 100% in some Croatian hospitals, the study found.

From Seattle Times

Conservative MSP Miles Briggs said he would want to see the detail of how medics would have their right to be conscientious objectors protected.

From BBC