noun

jihadist

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Jihadist (noun) means a person who takes part in a jihad, an Islamic holy war or armed struggle. Example: “Foreign jihadists travelled to join the fighting.”

noun

A person who takes part in a jihad, an Islamic holy war or armed struggle.

"Foreign jihadists travelled to join the fighting."

"The report tracked how young jihadists were recruited online."

"Several former jihadists now speak publicly against the movement."

A supporter of jihadism, the doctrine that promotes armed jihad.

"He was arrested for spreading jihadist propaganda online."

"The group is considered a jihadist organisation by most governments."

"Analysts study how jihadist ideology spreads on social media."

adjective

Relating to the doctrine of jihadism, which calls for armed jihad.

"The country has seen a rise in jihadist violence in recent years."

"Security services monitor jihadist websites and forums."

"The attack was claimed by a jihadist militia."

How to use jihadist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA jihadist is someone who fights in, or supports the ideology behind, an armed jihad.

When to use it

The word is mainly used in news, security and political writing rather than everyday conversation.

Memory tip

The -ist ending works as it does in many English words, turning the noun jihad into a term for a person or supporter.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

jihadist group jihadist ideology jihadist propaganda former jihadist

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “jihadist” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Foreign _____ travelled to join the fighting.

Etymology

Jihadist is built from jihad with the suffix -ist added. The noun is recorded from the 1910s for someone taking part in a jihad, while the adjective use for the jihadist movement developed later, from the 1960s.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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mujahid jihadi

Related words

jihad jihadi mujahid

Rhymes for jihadist

sadist

See all rhymes for jihadist →

Frequently asked questions

What does jihadist mean?

It refers to someone who takes part in a jihad, or, more broadly, a supporter of jihadism, the doctrine that calls for armed jihad.

When did the word jihadist first appear in English?

The noun is recorded from the 1910s, while the adjective describing the jihadist movement came into use from the 1960s onward.

Is jihadist the same as mujahid?

They are closely related terms; mujahid is a near-synonym used for someone who takes part in a jihad.

What is the meaning of jihadist?

"jihadist" (noun) means a person who takes part in a jihad, an Islamic holy war or armed struggle.

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