Search Dictionary
Definition of jihadism

jihadism

/dʒɪˈhɑːdɪzəm/
ji · had · is · m
Adjective:jihadist
JUMP TO:

jihadism Lexical Profile

jihadism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A modern militant ideology or movement among certain extremist groups that advocates the use of armed struggle interpreted as a religious duty.

Example

"The university seminar examined the historical and geopolitical roots of modern jihadism in the late twentieth century."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for jihadism

Word Nuance & Usage

In political science and media discourse, 'jihadism' specifically denotes modern militant political movements rather than the broader theological concept of 'jihad,' which in Islamic tradition primarily refers to an internal spiritual struggle for moral self-improvement.

• Nearby Words

jigsaw
jihad
jihadi
jihadism
jihadist
jill
jillion

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in late 20th-century political discourse from the Arabic word 'jihad' (meaning 'struggle' or 'striving') combined with the English ideological suffix '-ism'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jihadism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jihadism
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.