English Lexicon

Islamic State

/ɪsˈlɑː.mɪk steɪt/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A political entity that claims to govern according to Islamic law and principles.

    "The Islamic State has been involved in numerous conflicts across the Middle East."
  2. 2

    A self-declared state that seeks to establish a caliphate based on its interpretation of Islam.

    "The Islamic State's ideology has attracted followers from various countries."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'Islamic State' derives from the Arabic 'Dawlat al-Islam', which emerged in the early 20th century as a political concept advocating for a state governed by Islamic law. The term gained prominence during the rise of various Islamist movements in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly with the establishment of ISIS in 2014.

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