noun
daredevil warrior; fierce warrior
Refers to a warrior of exceptional bravery and ferocity, often with a demon-like fighting spirit. The term evokes the image of an oni (demon) combined with a warrior.
彼は戦場で鬼武者のように戦った。
He fought like a daredevil warrior on the battlefield.
武者 is a general term for a warrior, whereas 鬼武者 emphasizes an exceptionally fierce, almost demonic warrior.
Compound of 鬼 (oni, 'demon') and 武者 (musha, 'warrior'). The term likely originated to describe warriors of extraordinary ferocity, likening them to demons in battle.