activism

play

noun ac·tiv·ism \ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm\

Definition of activism

: 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

activist

play \-vist\ noun or adjective

activistic

play \ˌak-ti-ˈvis-tik\ adjective

Recent Examples of activism from the Web

Hizb ut-Tahrir has long been a fixture of Islamist activism.

— julie chernov hwang, Washington Post, "Why banning ‘extremist groups’ is dangerous for Indonesia," 19 July 2017
There has always been political activism on college campuses.

— the tylt, AL.com, "Are colleges harming America?," 18 July 2017
Where’s Kay?’ Even though the use of town halls has declined in recent years, there was a greater demand for them this year when Democratic activism spiked after Republican President Donald Trump took office.

— anna m. tinsley, star-telegram, "U.S. Rep. Granger won’t hold town halls because of ‘so many threats’," 15 July 2017
Mega Millions hiatus cost state $4 million. *CTU member claims she was fired in retaliation over activism. *7 arrested after Greenpeace banner hung at Trump Tower.

— chicago tribune staff, chicagotribune.com, "Morning Spin: Emanuel gets some victories from Springfield," 10 July 2017
Black Lives Matter believes that political activism can change police departments.

— conor friedersdorf, The Atlantic, "An Ill-Advised Lawsuit Against Black Lives Matter Activists," 10 July 2017
Their protests draw on a tradition of left-wing activism in Germany’s second-largest city and the birthplace of its chancellor, Angela Merkel …

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Principled conservatives show federalism is more than a talking point by rejecting voter data requests," 6 July 2017
Kids can read about the courage and activism of young women like Malala Yousafzai and mathematical geniuses like Hypatia.

— South Florida Parenting, "Summer reading: Books to keep kids learning," 3 July 2017
More: Citing LGBT discrimination, California bans state travel to Kentucky As noted in a previous Courier-Journal story, The Downtowner was also a hot spot for activism.

— andrew henderson, The Courier-Journal, "LGBT history 'reclaimed' in historic Louisville properties," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'activism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.