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

Maggie Doherty on Gloria Steinem’s life in writing and activism. — Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok function as both social networking platforms and spaces for political networking and activism. — Sindhu Bhaskar, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Macklemore is again drawing criticism over his pro-Palestinian activism amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Her volunteer work with the PTA at her children's school, Rightsell Elementary, was just the beginning, propelling her into a world of community activism and politics. — Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing activism

• men's rights activism

Rhymes for activism

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