archmilitarist
|arch-mil-i-ta-rist|
🇺🇸
/ˌɑrtʃˈmɪlɪtərɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˌɑːtʃˈmɪlɪt(ə)rɪst/
extreme pro-military
Etymology
'archmilitarist' originates from Modern English as a compound of the prefix 'arch-' and the noun 'militarist'. The prefix 'arch-' ultimately comes from Greek 'arkhos' meaning 'chief' or 'principal', while 'militarist' derives from 'military' (from Latin 'militaris') meaning 'relating to soldiers or warfare'.
'arch-' (from Greek 'arkhos') was used in English as a formative prefix meaning 'principal' or 'extreme' (e.g. 'archenemy'), and 'militarist' developed from 'military' (Latin 'militaris') through Modern English. These elements were combined in Modern English to form 'archmilitarist', literally 'principal/extreme militarist'.
Initially formed to denote a leading or principal supporter of militarism ('chief militarist'), it came to be used more broadly to describe anyone holding extremely pro-military views or advocating aggressive military policies.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is an extreme proponent of militarism; a chief or leading supporter of military influence in politics and society.
He was described as an archmilitarist who pushed for permanent conscription and vast increases in defense spending.
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Adjective 1
extremely militaristic; characteristic of an archmilitarist or of promoting aggressive military policies.
The government's archmilitarist stance alarmed neighboring countries.
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Last updated: 2025/10/07 23:52