extremism

[ ik-stree-miz-uhm ]

noun

1. a tendency or disposition to go to extremes or an instance of going to extremes, especially in political matters:

   leftist extremism; the extremism of the Nazis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extremism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; extreme + -ism

Example Sentences

Considering Patel's reputation for extremism and the threats he's made during the time he was out of government, one would hope that at least a handful of Republicans would say it's unacceptable.

From Salon

“All public officials need to be prepared to fight against the extremism that will come when Trump returns to office and retreating in advance is a dangerous precedent to set.”

From Salon

Nick Martin, who runs The Informant, a publication covering hate and extremism in the U.S., posted a response to her comments.

From Los Angeles Times

It is swiftly gathering momentum, fueled by the extremism of the party set to soon control both the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government as well as most of the federal court system.

From Salon

I wanted to understand why and, by extension, what it said about the rise and threat of American extremism as the world warms.

From Salon

Related Words

• bigotry
• hatred
• intolerance
• zeal
• zealotry