antipacifists
|an-ti-pac-i-fist|
/ˌæn.tɪˈpæsɪfɪst/
(antipacifist)
against pacifism
Etymology
'antipacifist' originates from a modern English formation combining the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti', meaning 'against') and the noun 'pacifist' (from French 'pacifiste' and ultimately Latin 'pacificus', "peace-making").
'antipacifist' was formed in English by adding the prefix 'anti-' to 'pacifist' (the latter coming into English via French 'pacifiste' from Latin 'pacificus' based on 'pax' meaning 'peace'), producing the modern English word 'antipacifist'.
Initially the components meant 'against' + 'one who favors peace'; the combined formation has consistently meant 'one opposed to pacifism' or 'opposed to nonviolent principles'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person or group opposed to pacifism; someone who supports the use of force or rejects nonviolent principles.
Antipacifists argued that military intervention was necessary to stop the aggressor.
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Adjective 1
describing a position or attitude that opposes pacifism or favors military action over nonviolent approaches.
Antipacifists criticized the treaty as too idealistic and argued for a more antipacifist approach to security.
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Last updated: 2025/09/05 21:10