extremism

the word "extremism" is a modern english formation built upon the adjective "extreme." the adjective itself originates from the latin extremus, the superlative form of exter meaning "outer." extremus literally meant "outermost" or "farthest out," a concept that evolved to signify the utmost degree of anything. the suffix "-ism," borrowed via latin from greek, is used to form nouns indicating a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy. therefore, "extremism" logically denotes the doctrine or state of holding views that are at the farthest, or most radical, end of a political or ideological spectrum, directly extending the original spatial metaphor of "outermost" into the abstract realm of belief and action.

Structure: extreme + ism - extreme (from latin extremus, meaning "outermost, utmost, farthest") - ism (from greek -ismos, a suffix forming nouns of action, state, or doctrine)