crusade

The term Crusade originally described medieval military campaigns sanctioned by the Latin Church to reclaim holy sites from Muslim control. Over time, it has evolved to represent any passionate, determined campaign for a cause, whether social, political, or religious. In modern usage, "crusade" can signify both noble efforts to enact change and extreme actions by fringe groups. This duality makes it a powerful yet complex term to define, reflecting the intensity and commitment often associated with such campaigns.