Militant

Definition

Militant primarily refers to a person who promotes a cause, often political or social, with vigor and aggressiveness, sometimes resorting to force or confrontational methods.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɪlɪtənt/
• Respelling: MIL-ih-tuhnt (with "MIL" as in "milk," "ih" as in "sit," and "tuhnt" as in "puzzle")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɪlɪtənt/
• Respelling: MIL-ih-tuhnt (with "MIL" as in "milk," "ih" as in "sit," and "tuhnt" as in "puzzle")

In both dialects, "militant" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "MIL." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "MIL-ih-tuhnt."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "militans", which is the present participle of "militare" meaning "to serve as a soldier". The term has evolved to mean being aggressive or combative in support of a cause.

Derivatives

• Militancy
• Militarize
• Militarism
• Militia
• Militantly

Synonyms

• Aggressive
• Combative
• Belligerent

Antonyms

• Passive
• Peaceful
• Non-aggressive

Usage

"Militant" is often used to describe individuals or groups that show a fighting disposition and are willing to engage in aggressive actions to advance their causes.

• The militant protesters were arrested after clashing with police.
• Some branches of the movement have adopted a more militant stance.

Related Terms

• Activist
• Fighter
• Revolutionary

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Activist Fighter: An individual who fights or campaigns ardently for a political or social cause, often resorting to forceful or confrontational tactics.‍
• Example: The militants took over the city's main square, demanding a change in the government.

Adjective

• Aggressively Active: Showing a strong support or advocacy for a cause, often using forceful or confrontational methods.‍
• Example: Their militant approach to the negotiations did not go down well with the other parties.

• Engaged in Warfare: Engaging in combat or warfare; warlike.‍
• Example: A militant nation always on the defensive.