Extremism

From the latin word extremus, which could be translated to "the outermost" or "the worst". Extremism can be understood as the opposite of moderate or in the middle. In this sense, the term becomes relative as it will describe whatever is occurring far from the middle. However, extremism is often used more absolute. Two common characteristics are assuming one's opinions are legitimate, and the justification of use of violence to achieve political change (violent extremism).