activism

noun

ac·​tiv·​ism ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce activism (audio)
: a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue
political activism
environmental activism

Examples of activism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the height of the civil rights era, the government often treated Black activism and urban unrest as a threat that needed to be contained. Josiah Bates, Time, 14 Oct. 2025 Sharon Chuter's history of activism In June 2020, amid the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests, Chuter started the hashtag, #PullUpOrShutUp. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Oct. 2025 Stephen is known for his outspoken evangelical Christian views and political activism, which have occasionally sparked public backlash. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for activism

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Aktivismus, from aktiv active entry 1 + -ismus -ism

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of activism was in 1915

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Activism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activism. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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