PoliticsJune 30, 2026

hardliner

/ˈhɑːrdˌlaɪnər/

Definition

A person who strictly adheres to an uncompromising, dogmatic, or extreme political position.

Etymology

Derived from the political concept of a 'hard line,' referring to a policy or stance that is rigid and non-negotiable. It emerged in the mid-20th century to describe individuals who refuse to compromise on their partisan or factional principles.

In the news

The term is used to describe the ideological intensity within the Republican Party, highlighting the friction between traditional members and those holding unyielding positions on legislative agendas.

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