# militant

/ˈmɪɫətənt/ (US) · /mˈɪlɪtənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/militant
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. an aggressive supporter

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. combative or aggressive

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a soldier

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The militants took control of the main road.
- Local authorities are negotiating with the militants to ensure the safe release of the aid workers.
- The report distinguishes between peaceful protesters and the armed militants who exploited the civil unrest to seize government infrastructure.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.