ENGLISH
REFERENCE

militant

n. · adj.
US //ˈmɪɫətənt// UK //mˈɪlɪtənt// mil·i·tant
  1. 1 an aggressive supporter (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who uses strong or aggressive methods to support a political or social cause.

    an individual who adopts aggressive or combative strategies in pursuit of a political or ideological objective.

    Example

    The militants blocked the main road to protest the new government policy.

    Example

    Security analysts observed that the militants had shifted their focus from peaceful demonstrations to more disruptive forms of direct action.

    Usage

    Often carries a negative connotation in mainstream media, implying a willingness to use force.
  2. 2 combative or aggressive (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    willing to fight or use strong pressure to get what you want.

    combative and aggressive in support of a cause; typically used to describe groups, tactics, or attitudes.

    Example

    The union took a militant approach during the negotiations for higher pay.

    Example

    The group's militant rhetoric alienated some of its more moderate supporters, leading to a split in the organisation's leadership.
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  1. 3 a soldier (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    an old word for a soldier or someone who fights in a war.

    a combatant or soldier engaged in warfare. This sense is largely restricted to historical or religious contexts.

    Example

    The old stories speak of the militants who defended the castle walls.

    Example

    In medieval theology, the 'Church Militant' refers to the body of believers on earth who are seen as engaged in spiritual warfare.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is rare in modern English; learners will mostly encounter it in historical texts or specific religious phrases like 'Church Militant'.
Origin

From Middle French militant, from Latin mīlitāns, present participle of mīlitāre (“to serve as a soldier”).

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