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

Elliott, with over $70 billion in assets under management, has a long history of activism that has at times yielded strong returns for investors. —Yun Li, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025

Speaking with Variety ahead of the Rendez-Vous, Aubert and Bernard, director Franck Brett and producers Alexandre Charlet and Nicolas de Saint Meleuc discuss the making of the series, the impact of climate change and the fine line between activism and extremism. —Ed Meza, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025

The decision drew criticism from city officials and sparked community activism to keep the 35th Street store open. —April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Thunberg is best known for her progressive activism demanding action on climate change. —Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 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