crusade

cru-sade · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (historical) Any of the medieval military expeditions made by European Christians to recover the Holy Land from Muslims.

  2. 2.

    To lead or take part in a vigorous campaign for change.

  3. 3.

    A vigorous campaign for political, social, or religious change.

Forms

plural: crusades

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    personal crusade — an individual's passionate campaign
  • •
    moral crusade — a campaign based on ethical principles

Related words

See also: campaign, cause, holy_war, movement
Synonyms: campaign, cause, drive, movement

Etymology

From French croisade, from Old French crois meaning "cross," from Latin crux. The Crusaders wore crosses on their garments.