Militant facts for kids

The word militant is used in English as both an adjective (describing something) and a noun (naming a person or thing). It usually means someone who is very active, combative, or aggressive. This is especially true when they are strongly supporting a cause, like "militant reformers."

The word comes from the 15th-century Latin word "militare", which means "to serve as a soldier." The idea of a militia (a group of citizens who can act as soldiers) grew from old Anglo-Saxon groups. In emergencies, a militiaman would stop their regular job to become a soldier. Once the danger passed, they would go back to their civilian life.

Today, "militant" usually doesn't mean a registered soldier. Instead, it describes anyone who strongly believes in using energetic, sometimes extreme, actions to reach a goal, often a political one. For example, a "militant [political] activist" would likely be more direct and forceful than an activist not called militant.

Being militant might involve physical violence, armed combat, or terrorism, but it doesn't always. For instance, the Trotskyist group called Militant in the United Kingdom published a newspaper and was active in worker disputes. They took part in political meetings but did not use violence. The Christian Church Militant aims to fight against sin and evil, but it is not a violent group.

What Does Militant Mean as an Adjective?

When used as an adjective, "militant" means "very active and aggressive, especially when supporting a cause." Think of "militant reformers." The The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language says militant means "Having a combative character; aggressive, especially in the service of a cause." The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as "aggressively active (as in a cause)." It suggests phrases like 'militant conservationists' or 'a militant attitude.'

For example, The New York Times once wrote an article called Militant Environmentalists Planning Summer Protests to Save Redwoods. This article described a group that used "confrontational demonstrations" and "nonviolent tactics" to protect the environment. Another example is 'a militant political activist,' which highlights behaviors common in intense political activism. The political protests led by Reverend Al Sharpton have also been called militant in nature by The Washington Post.

Generally, a militant person is someone who is confrontational. This doesn't necessarily mean they use violence.

The word militant is also used in some religious groups. It describes the ongoing fight of Christians (as church members) or the Christian Church against sin. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, talks about the Church militant and church triumphant. Ellen G. White, a founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, said, "Now the church is militant. Now we are confronted with a world in darkness, almost wholly given over to idolatry."

This religious meaning should not be confused with the word 'belligerent.' 'Belligerent' describes extreme religious behaviors where people use weapons or violence because of their beliefs. These extremist groups can belong to any religion, including Christian, Muslim, or Jewish faiths.

What Does Militant Mean as a Noun?

As a noun, a militant is a person who uses militant methods to achieve a goal. This term is not linked to the official military. It can refer to an individual who shows aggressive behavior or attitudes.

Sometimes, militant is used as a euphemism (a milder word) for terrorist or armed insurgent. You can find more about this in the section below on mass media usage.

The word "militant" is sometimes used to describe groups that do not call themselves militants but support extreme violence. In the early 21st century, members of groups involved in Islamic terrorism like Al-Qaeda and ISIS are often called militants.

How Mass Media Uses the Term Militant

Newspapers, magazines, and other news sources might use militant as a neutral term. In contrast, terrorist or guerrilla usually shows disapproval of the person or group's actions. This is true regardless of why they are acting that way. At other times, militant can refer to anyone who is not part of formal armed forces but is involved in warfare or acting as a combatant.

The mass media sometimes uses the term "militant" when talking about terrorism. Journalists might use militant for paramilitary groups that use terrorism as a tactic. The media also uses terms like militant groups or radical militants for organizations involved in terrorism.

Different Kinds of Militancy

Militant groups and individuals can be found across the political spectrum. This includes racial or religious supremacists, separatists, and environmentalists. Examples of militant groups from different political viewpoints include militant reformers, militant feminists, militant animal rights advocates, and militant anarchists. The phrase militant Islam can refer to violent and aggressive political actions by Islamic individuals, groups, or governments. There are also various secret societies that are considered militant groups.

Militant Organizations

Some organizations describe themselves as militants. The Ulster Young Militants are an example of a group that used violence, such as threats, arson, and murder, as a planned tactic.

See also

In Spanish: Activismo para niños