crusader

[ kroo-seyd-er ]

noun

1. Often Crusader. a participant in any of the crusades or military expeditions undertaken with papal sanction by the Christians of Europe in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries in an effort to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims:

   Orders of monks who were also knights became the "storm troops" of the Christian crusaders.

2. a participant in any vigorous movement for the defense or advancement of an idea, cause, etc.:

   Nepal's most prominent crusader for equal rights for sexual minorities was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crusader¹

crusade ( def ) + -er ¹( def )

Example Sentences

A former member of the Minnesota National Guard, he has a tattoo on his bicep reading “Deus Vult”, a latin phrase meaning “God wills it”, a rallying cry for Christian crusaders in the Middle Ages.

From BBC

But Toller was also navigating a contentious environment, where election dramas have fed into, and drawn support from, national election denial crusaders including MyPillow.com Chief Executive Mike Lindell.

From Los Angeles Times

The former president also promised a prominent role for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine crusader who has advanced conspiracy theories.

From Los Angeles Times

Created in 1919, the famed 19th century California vigilante is best known for his sword fighting and signature black mask; he’s arguably a pioneering caped crusader.

From Los Angeles Times

He also couldn’t sleep so he went outside, and spent the night walking back and forth on Sidon’s promenade, the sea castle built by crusaders in the 13th century in the background.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitator
• campaigner
• zealot