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

The Greens have embraced a radical mix of leftist politics and pro-Palestinian activism — sprinkled with just a dash of their titular environmentalism. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026

The Iranian regime has repeatedly arrested and detained Mohammadi over her anti-government activism. —Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 7 May 2026

By widening the lens, Clark is able to redirect the book’s gaze from the mother toward a quizzical, sometimes critical, but not unaffectionate portrait of two generations of political activism, with the attendant self-involvement and domestic negligence. —James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Social media rumors swirled that the league was blackballing her because of her activism. —Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 4 May 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