extremist

One beyond moderation

An extremist holds views far outside the mainstream, typically in politics or religion, and often advocates radical action to advance them.

The term is almost always applied by opponents rather than claimed by the people it describes: The government labeled the protesters extremists.

As an adjective, it describes such views or groups: extremist ideology, extremist factions.

mentality

fanatic

Overly zealous person

zealotObsessive cause supporter
radicalizedMade politically extreme
uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground

intolerant · bigoted · hateful · obsessed · brainwashed · indoctrinated · dogmatic · paranoid · delusional · apocalyptic

behavior

terrorist

Violent political intimidator

militantAggressive cause supporter
insurgentOne who revolts
bomberExplosive-delivery aircraft or saboteur

gunman · assassin · hijacker · recruiter · propagandist · inciter · conspirator · plotter · arsonist · hostage-taker

ideology

fundamentalist

Strict original-doctrine adherent

radicalRoot-indicating symbol
far-rightExtremist political ideology
far-leftExtreme progressive political position

ultranationalist · jihadist · white-supremacist · Islamist · anarchist · separatist · ethnonationalist · theocrat · Maoist · fascist

organization

cell

Basic unit of life

factionGroup within group
sectBreakaway religious faction
cultFervent fringe group

militia · splinter-group · paramilitary · underground · movement · brotherhood · vanguard · cadre · chapter · affiliate

countermeasures

deradicalization

Countering extremist indoctrination

surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
watchlistTracked items roster
counter-terrorismOpposing organized political violence

monitoring · intervention · rehabilitation · deprogramming · prevention · informant · infiltration · disruption · prosecution · ban

Categories

nonstate actorsmilitia, insurgent, rebel group, guerrilla, paramilitary
political labelsliberal, conservative, leftist, rightist, moderate
sectarianismsectarianism, sectarian, sect, schism, schismatic
extremistsfanatics, fanatic, radicals, radical, zealot
politicalconservative, liberal, moderate, centrist, leftist
fanaticismfanaticism, zealotry, zealot, fanatic, fervor

Opposites

ideological intensity

extremistmoderate

Lessen intensity or preside

centrist · middle-of-the-road · temperate · fence-sitter · neutral

approach to change

extremistconservative

Cautious about altering customs

gradualist · incrementalist · reformist · conventional · traditionalist

social conformity

extremistconformist

One following accepted norms

mainstream · orthodox · traditionalist · conventional · establishment

Phrases

political extremismIdeology at outer fringes
upper extremityLimb from shoulder down
religious extremismRadical ideology driven by faith
extremist ideologyBelief system rejecting compromise
extremist groupsFactions advocating drastic positions
lower extremity

Family

extremity, extremism, extremists

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG