Militant

The English word ''militant'' is both an adjective and a noun, and it is generally used to mean vigorously active, combative and/or aggressive, especially in support of a cause, as in "militant reformers". It comes from the 15th century Latin "''militare''" meaning "to serve as a soldier".

As adjective

Militant can mean "vigorously active and aggressive, especially in support of a cause" as in 'militant reformers'. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, defines ''militant'' as "Having a combative character; aggressive, especially in the service of a cause". The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ''militant'' as "aggressively active (as in a cause)". It says that the word ''militant'' might typically be used in phrases such as 'militant conservationists' or 'a militant attitude'.

An example of the adjective usages is demonstrated when ''The New York Times'' ran an article titled ''Militant Environmentalists Planning Summer Protests to Save Redwoods'' describing a group that believes in "confrontational demonstrations" and "nonviolent tactics" to get across their message of preserving the environment. Another usage example includes 'a militant political activist', drawing attention to behaviours typical of those engaged in intensive political activism. The political protests headed by Reverend Al Sharpton have been described as militant in nature in ''The Washington Post''.

In general usage, a ''militant'' person is a ''confrontational'' person who does not necessarily use violence.

As noun

A ''militant'', as a noun, is a person who uses militant methods in pursuit of an objective; the term is not associated with the military. ''Militant'' can refer to an individual displaying aggressive behavior or attitudes.

The word "militant" is sometimes used to describe groups that do not name or describe themselves as militants, but that advocate extreme violence. In the early 21st century, members of groups involved in Islamic terrorism such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS are usually described as militants.BBC: Nigeria blast blamed on Islamic militant group Boko Haram.
Example of use of "militant" to describe a group suspected of carrying out a suicide bombing(Boko Haram)

See also

Compare and contrast these related articles:

* activist – individuals in intentional action to bring about social or political change.
* belligerent – one of a contracting parties in a conflict.
* Church militant (Ecclesia Militans)
* combat or fighting – purposeful conflict between one or more persons, often involving violence and intended to establish dominance over the opposition.
* combatant – a soldier or guerrilla member who is waging war.
* crusader – Christian warriors in a series of several military campaigns—usually sanctioned by the Papacy—that took place during the 11th through 13th century. Used contemporarily to describe people that attack Islam, whether perceived or real.
* demonstrator – an individual who is publicly displaying the common opinion of an activist group, often economically, political, or socially, by gathering in a crowd, usually at a symbolic place or date, associated with that opinion.
* extremist – ideas or actions thought by critics to be hyperbolic and unwarranted.
* filibuster or freebooter – is someone who engages in an (at least nominally) unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country or territory to foment or support a revolution.
* fundamentalism – anti-modernist movements in various religions.
* guerrilla – small combat groups and the individual members of such groups operating with small, mobile and flexible combat groups called cells, without a front line.
* imminent threat – a criterion in international law, developed over the Caroline affair, described as being "instant, overwhelming, and leaving no choice of means, and no moment for deliberation."; the Caroline test has as additional criterion that the response must be proportionate to the threat.
* insurgent – an armed rebellion by any irregular armed force that rises up against an established authority, government, administration or occupation.
* jihadist – political neologism used to describe violent persons and movements in contemporary Islam.
* man-at-arms – medieval term for a soldier, almost always a professional.
* mercenary – soldier who fights, or engages in warfare primarily for private gain, usually with little regard for ideological, national or political considerations.
* military – any armed force, it generally refers to a permanent, professional force of soldiers or guerrillas.
* Militant (or the Militant tendency) – Trotskyist group active as an entryist group within the UK Labour Party who were found to be in breach of the Labour Party's constitution. The group existed in this form from 1964 to 1991.
* mujahideen – Muslim fighters; literally means "strugglers" or "people doing jihad". The traditional Arabic term for a "jihadist".
* partisan – member of a lightly equipped irregular military force formed to oppose control of an area by a foreign power or by an army of occupation.
* privateer – a private person who engages in maritime warfare under a commission of war, and often is rewarded with booty obtained.
* protester – expresses relatively overt reaction to events or situations: sometimes in favour, more often opposed.
* preemptive strike – a surprise attack to counter an anticipated enemy offensive.
* rebel – individuals who participate in rebellions.
* Reform Movement – kind of social movement that aims to make gradual change, or change in certain aspects of the society rather than rapid or fundamental changes.
* Resistance movement - While many militants belong to resistance movements, not all resistance movements advocate for militancy or violence.
* rioter – people in crowds committing crimes or acts of violence
* soldier – person who has enlisted with, or has been conscripted into, the armed forces of a sovereign country and has undergone training and received equipment to defend that country or its interests.
* vigilante – any individual(s) who establish their own form of justice or forms a collaboration with law enforcement to fight against criminal activities. Usually militant, armed, and not complying with the rule of law.
* war – state of widespread conflict between states, organisations, or relatively large groups of people, which is characterised by the use of violent, physical force between combatants or upon civilians.
* warrior – person habitually engaged in combat. In tribal societies, warriors often form a caste or class of their own.
* zealot – an individual who is ''zealous on behalf of God''.

References

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English words
Activism
Rebels by type
Definitions

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ja:過激派