militant

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   disposed to warfare or hard-line policies

   militant nations

2. 2
   adj

   Fighting or disposed to fight; belligerent, warlike.

   The upper tiers of the foreign ministry were quick to embrace a militant policy.

3. 3
   adj

   Aggressively supporting of an idea, group, political or social cause, etc.; adamant, combative.

   The physiological state is not itself militant against erotic expression.

4. 4
   noun

   An entrenched or aggressive adherent to a particular cause, now especially a member of a particular ideological faction.

   [Jim Owles] lamented the declining influence of militant organizations and tactics, stating that militants "help keep the rest of us honest," and prevent moderates from selling out.

5. 5
   adj

   showing a fighting disposition

6. 6
   adj

   engaged in war

7. 7
   noun

   a militant reformer

8. 8
   noun

   A soldier, a combatant.

Etymology

From Middle French militant, from Latin mīlitāns, present participle of mīlitāre (“to serve as a soldier”).