Word
militant
Phoneticsmil·i·tant, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɪɫətənt/
UK/mˈɪlɪtənt/
Definitions
01an aggressive supporter
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who uses strong or aggressive methods to support a political or social cause.
n. an individual who adopts aggressive or combative strategies in pursuit of a political or ideological objective.
“The militants blocked the main road to protest the new government policy.”
“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.
02combative or aggressive
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. willing to fight or use strong pressure to get what you want.
adj. combative and aggressive in support of a cause; typically used to describe groups, tactics, or attitudes.
“The union took a militant approach during the negotiations for higher pay.”
“The group's militant rhetoric alienated some of its more moderate supporters, leading to a split in the organisation's leadership.”
Synonyms
03a soldier
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic
n. an old word for a soldier or someone who fights in a war.
n. a combatant or soldier engaged in warfare. This sense is largely restricted to historical or religious contexts.
“The old stories speak of the militants who defended the castle walls.”
“In medieval theology, the 'Church Militant' refers to the body of believers on earth who are seen as engaged in spiritual warfare.”
Teaching tip
This sense is rare in modern English; learners will mostly encounter it in historical texts or specific religious phrases like 'Church Militant'.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “militant” in context.
Verb
01. crack down on militants
“The government has vowed to crack down on militants who are disrupting the peace process.”
verb + adv + prep + noun
02. disarm the militants
“International observers are overseeing the efforts to disarm the militants in the region.”
verb + noun
03. negotiate with the militants
“The administration refused to negotiate with the militants until they released the hostages.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. armed militants
“Several armed militants were spotted patrolling the border near the disputed territory.”
adj + noun
05. hard-line militants
“The peace talks were stalled by hard-line militants who refused to compromise on their demands.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. clash between militants
“A violent clash between militants and security forces left several people injured.”
noun + prep + noun
07. militant group
“The intelligence agency is monitoring a new militant group that emerged last month.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“The Israeli military said on Sunday that its aircraft struck two Islamic Jihad and Hamas militants in Khan Younis and Nuseirat.” “Marmar Ouda said he has been forced to erect metal fences around his home and bars on his windows to protect his family from attacks by militant settlers.” “The president’s son-in-law met the Palestinian militant group’s leaders in Egypt, officials said.” Etymology
From Middle French militant, from Latin mīlitāns, present participle of mīlitāre (“to serve as a soldier”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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