activism

noun

ac·​tiv·​ism ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm 

: 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

Four years later, Lee's activism helped push Congress to establish a new national holiday for the first time in nearly 40 years. —Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 19 June 2026

James said the conversation focused not only on the history of Juneteenth, but also on how people continue to honor its spirit through community engagement and activism. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026

Cleage aims to bridge generational divides and amplify Black women's voices, drawing parallels to her activism in civil rights and feminist movements. —Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Photography as activism At the 1990 Gay Games in Vancouver – the world’s largest LGBTQ sporting event – two Kodak employees met and discussed creating a monthly support group for their gay and lesbian colleagues. —Tamar Carroll, The Conversation, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for activism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism