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

Tunick has participated in activism against the project, according to his defense team. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Pura Barakos’s house near the heart of this city’s Astoria neighborhood has stood out as a symbol of left-wing activism for more than 30 years. — Tim Craig, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026

The rise of Black power influenced Chicano activism, and many Mexican Americans increasingly shed illusions that they could be seen as white, at least legally so, and rejected assimilationist impulses. — Eladio Bobadilla, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026

Maumoon along with Mishal Mushahid started their activism as student leaders working with the Addu City council. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 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