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 series attempts to explain how Elle developed her passion for justice by placing her in a socially conscious Seattle high school, where activism is part of everyday life. — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

In 2023, Kiros wrote an article defending pro-Palestinian students and criticizing law firms’ responses to student activism after the Hamas terror attack on Israel. — Philip Wang, Time, 1 July 2026

There were a few gay bars, but the CWC was the only place for lesbian activism. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026

At a university famous for its role in left-wing activism during the 1960s free speech movement and anti-Vietnam War protests, Pelosi vows to promote a nonpartisan academic endeavor. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 29 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