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

“In this family, we are pacifists,” he says finally.

From Literature

Japan pledged to acquire what it calls counter-strike capability and purchased 400 Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles, a break from its postwar pacifist principles.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• peacemaker