apologist

UK: əˈpɒlədʒɪst | US: əˈpɑːlədʒɪst

Definition

  1. n. a person who offers an argument in defense of something controversial, such as a doctrine, policy, or institution.

  2. n. someone who rationalizes or justifies actions or beliefs, often in the face of criticism.

Structure
apo <away/defense>log <speech/word>ist <noun suffix (person)>
Etymology

The word "apologist" traces back to Greek roots:

  • "apo-" (ἀπό) originally meant "away from" but evolved to imply defense or justification (as in "apologize," which initially meant to defend oneself in speech).
  • "-log" (λόγος) means "speech," "word," or "reason," reflecting the act of reasoned argument.
  • "-ist" is an agentive suffix denoting a person who practices or supports something.
    The term emerged in the early 17th century, initially referring to Christian writers who defended their faith against criticism. Over time, it broadened to include defenders of any controversial stance.
Examples

  1. The politician acted as an apologist for the government’s unpopular policies.

  2. She was criticized as an apologist for the corporation’s environmental violations.

  3. Early Christian apologists wrote extensively to counter pagan accusations.

  4. He refused to be an apologist for the mistakes of his predecessors.

  5. The book’s author is often seen as an apologist for authoritarian regimes.