crusade

A determined effort by people to change something they believe is wrong or achieve an important goal.

• He launched a crusade against litter.
• The newspaper supported her crusade for justice.
• Their public health crusade reached thousands of families.

How to use it: crusade against something (She led a crusade against workplace bullying.); crusade for something (Their crusade for cleaner rivers gained support.)

Similar words: campaign, movement

Common phrases: crusade against something, crusade for something, launch a crusade

A war supported by the Christian Church and fought for religious aims.

• The king joined a crusade.
• Several crusades were fought over control of Jerusalem.
• The pope called for a new crusade.

Similar words: holy war

Common phrases: medieval crusade, join a crusade, lead a crusade

To work hard and publicly for a cause you strongly believe in.

• She crusades against animal cruelty.
• They crusaded for safer working conditions.
• He spent decades crusading against unfair laws.

How to use it: crusade against something (The journalist crusaded against corruption.); crusade for something (They crusade for equal access to education.)

Similar words: campaign, fight

Common phrases: crusade against something, crusade for something

To take part in a war supported by the Christian Church for religious aims.

• The knights prepared to crusade.
• He crusaded in the East as a young man.
• Many nobles left their estates to crusade abroad.

Common phrases: crusade abroad, crusade in something