pacifist
pacifist — noun
- pacifistsingular
- pacifistsplural
1. a person who thinks people should not use war or violence to settle disagreement
a person who thinks people should not use war or violence to settle disagreements.
Lakshmi has called herself a pacifist since her brother returned from war.
call yourself a pacifist
The young pacifist joined a candle march outside city hall.
Ilan remained a pacifist even after months of angry political debate.
During the interview, Maeve explained why a pacifist can still support aid workers.
- peace activist
stresses public action such as marches or campaigns, not only the belief itself
- conscientious objector
more specific term for someone who refuses military service on moral or religious grounds
- dove
used mainly in political discussion for someone who prefers negotiation over force
- militarist
supports strong military action and sees force as necessary
- hawk
political term for someone who favors a tougher or more warlike policy
文法句型
be a pacifist
call yourself a pacifist
用法筆記
Often refers to a person whose view comes from moral, political, or religious principle. Distinguish it from 'conscientious objector', which usually names a formal legal or military status.
pacifist — adjective
- pacifistpositive
- more pacifistcomparative
- most pacifistsuperlative
1. guided by the view that conflict should be settled without war or violent force.
guided by the view that conflict should be settled without war or violent force.
Shirin wrote a pacifist statement after the clash outside campus.
pacifist statement after public conflict
The church kept a pacifist position during the border crisis.
Tuan argued for a pacifist response when the protest turned tense.
Journalists described the group's pacifist message as brave but unpopular.
- anti-war
focuses directly on opposition to war, often in political argument
- peace-loving
broader and more personal, often about character rather than policy
- non-violent
centers on refusing violent action in practice, even outside war
- warlike
showing readiness or desire to fight
- militarist
supporting military force as a preferred policy
文法句型
pacifist movement/belief/position
take a pacifist line
用法筆記
Usually modifies beliefs, groups, statements, or policies rather than ordinary physical things. Distinguish it from 'peaceful', the everyday word for a calm place, mood, or period with no fighting.