# radicalization

/ˌɹædɪkəɫɪˈzeɪʃən/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/radicalization
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

the way a person slowly starts to believe in very extreme ideas, sometimes supporting violence. You see this word in news about politics and safety.

For teachers: gradual adoption of extreme political, social, or religious views, often linked to support for violence. Typically discussed in studies of extremism, security policy, and prevention programmes.

## Examples

- Radicalization often starts with angry posts online.
- Teachers watch for signs of radicalization when students share extremist videos in group chats.
- Scholars argue that radicalization rarely follows a single path, emerging instead from isolation, grievance, and exposure to networks that reward certainty over doubt.

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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.