What does crusade mean?
A crusade is a sustained, energetic campaign waged in support of a cause — typically a moral, social, political, or religious one. In everyday use the word is figurative: someone might lead a crusade against corruption, litter, or unfair pricing, implying tireless dedication and a sense of moral mission. The term also has a specific historical meaning: the Crusades were a series of medieval military expeditions, launched mainly between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries, in which European Christians sought to capture Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Muslim control. Because of that history, the word carries strong connotations — it can suggest admirable commitment, but it can also imply zealotry or self-righteousness, and it remains sensitive in contexts involving Christian–Muslim relations. Related forms include 'crusader', meaning a person engaged in such a campaign. Whether praising reformers or criticizing fanatics, writers reach for 'crusade' when they want to convey passion, persistence, and conviction on a grand scale.
An organized, energetic campaign in support of a cause, especially one perceived as morally important; historically, one of the medieval Christian military expeditions to the Holy Land.
"His crusade for press freedom earned him both admirers and powerful enemies."
Often used with 'against' or 'for'; can imply zeal bordering on obsession.
To take part in or lead a vigorous campaign for a cause.
"She crusaded for years to get the contaminated site cleaned up."
Less common than the noun; usually followed by 'against' or 'for'.
Regular plural. Capitalized 'the Crusades' refers collectively to the medieval holy wars.
"The Crusades reshaped trade and politics across the Mediterranean world."
The word 'crusade' literally means 'marked with the cross' — medieval fighters sewed cloth crosses onto their tunics, and the word for that emblem became the word for the whole enterprise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of crusade
'Crusade' comes from the Spanish 'cruzada' and French 'croisée/croisade', both derived from Late Latin 'cruciata', meaning 'marked with the cross' — a reference to the cloth crosses worn by participants in the medieval expeditions. The ultimate root is Latin 'crux' (cross). The English word was adopted in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, first in its historical sense and later extended figuratively to any zealous campaign. Cognates include the modern French 'croisade' and Italian 'crociata'.
Related word forms
How crusade is actually used
In modern usage 'crusade' is usually figurative and can carry a slightly disapproving connotation when it implies zealotry or obsession with a cause; it is best used with care in interfaith contexts given its association with medieval Christian–Muslim warfare. The verb form is less common than the noun.
Easily confused with crusade
A cruise is a sea voyage or leisurely journey by ship, whereas a crusade is an organized campaign devoted to a cause; the words merely share a distant root.