pacifist

[ pas-uh-fist ]

noun

1. a person who believes in pacifism or is opposed to war or to violence of any kind.
2. a person whose personal belief in pacifism causes them to refuse being drafted into military service. Compare conscientious objector.

adjective

1. pacifistic.

ˈpacifist

/ ˈpæsɪfɪst /

noun

1. a person who supports pacifism
2. a person who refuses military service

adjective

1. advocating, relating to, or characterized by pacifism

Other Words From

• anti·paci·fist noun adjective
• non·paci·fist noun
• pro·paci·fist noun adjective
• semi·paci·fist adjective noun
• un·paci·fist adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pacifist¹

From the French word pacifiste, dating back to 1905–10. See pacific, -ist

Example Sentences

"They're a very pacifist society. They don't fight, they don't argue, so I wasn't really prepared for these big bullies in school. But I just got through it."

From BBC

"He is so non-military," Ms Fox told Reuters, adding that her brother "never had a gun, owned a gun, done any of that... He's more of a pacifist."

From BBC

It’s also a country, scarred by two World Wars, that retains a strong pacifist streak fed by fears the existing conflict could escalate.

From BBC

After high school, he attended Baldwin-Wallace College, a Methodist college in Berea, Ohio, and joined the pacifist Fellowship of Reconciliation.

From Los Angeles Times

Well, not completely different — still the Doctor, with two hearts, the TARDIS, sonic screwdriver, Gallifrey trauma, pacifist leanings and psychic-paper credentials — but still very different.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• peacemaker