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

Linehan has been behind some of the biggest British comedies of all time but in recent years has mostly devoted his time to anti-trans activism. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2025

After King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson became one of the most prominent heirs to King’s legacy of activism. —Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Nov. 2025

While some activists like Eva have used Mangione’s likeness to amp up support for causes they’d already been focused on, there are others who’ve come to activism purely by way of his case, like Amelia, who asked to use an alias. —Lorena O'Neil, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025

In 2020, Grint was one of several Harry Potter actors who distanced themselves from the author over her consistent criticism of transgender rights and trans activism. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 24 Nov. 2025

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
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism