English Reference
Noun

pacifist

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈpæsɪfɪst/ UK /pˈæsɪfˌɪst/ paci·fist UK spelling pacifists

n.someone who believes that war and violence are always wrong. A person like this refuses to fight or use force to solve problems.

n.a person who holds the belief that war and violence are unjustifiable and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means.


SIMPLE

He is a lifelong pacifist who refuses to join the army.

CONTEXTUAL

During the conflict, many pacifists were imprisoned for refusing to participate in the mandatory military draft.

COMPLEX

The philosopher's transition from a soldier to a committed pacifist was driven by his firsthand experience of the devastation wrought by modern industrial warfare.

Usage

Can also be used as an adjective to describe beliefs or actions that support peace.


From French pacifiste, equivalent to pacific + -ist.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French pacifiste
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated