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Jihadist: meaning, definitions and examples

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jihadist

 

[ dʒɪhɑːdɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political terminology

A jihadist is an individual who participates in or supports jihad, particularly in the context of militant Islam. The term often refers to those who believe in using violence and warfare to promote Islamic ideals or to resist perceived oppression. Jihadists may operate within various groups or organizations that advocate for a strict interpretation of Islamic law and seek to establish Islamic governance. The modern usage of the term is frequently associated with radical Islamist movements, which have gained global attention for their actions in various geopolitical conflicts.

Synonyms

holy warrior, militant Islamist, radical Islamist

Examples of usage

  • The jihadist group claimed responsibility for the attack.
  • Many governments are working to combat jihadist extremism.
  • The documentary explored the rise of jihadist movements.
  • He was radicalized and became a jihadist over time.

Translations

Translations of the word "jihadist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jihadista

🇮🇳 जिहादी

🇩🇪 Dschihadist

🇮🇩 jihadis

🇺🇦 джихадист

🇵🇱 dżihadysta

🇯🇵 ジハード主義者

🇫🇷 djihadiste

🇪🇸 yihadista

🇹🇷 cihadist

🇰🇷 지하드주의자

🇸🇦 جهادي

🇨🇿 džihádista

🇸🇰 džihádiste

🇨🇳 圣战主义者

🇸🇮 džihadist

🇮🇸 jihadisti

🇰🇿 жихадист

🇬🇪 ჯჰადისტი

🇦🇿 cihadçı

🇲🇽 yihadista

Etymology

The term 'jihadist' originates from the Arabic word 'jihad,' which means 'struggle' or 'striving.' In Islamic context, jihad refers to the spiritual or physical struggle to maintain and spread Islamic faith. The modern use of the term began in the late 20th century, particularly during the rise of radical Islamist groups that interpreted jihad as a justification for armed struggle. The proliferation of the term aligns with significant historical events, such as the Afghan-Soviet War and the emergence of al-Qaeda in the 1990s. As these groups gained notoriety, the terminology became associated with violent extremist actions and ideologies that challenge secular governance. Consequently, 'jihadist' began to be widely used in media and political discourse to describe individuals and factions involved in acts of terrorism or militant aggression framed within a religious context.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,800 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.