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

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activist

play \-vist\ noun or adjective

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activistic

play \ˌak-ti-ˈvis-tik\ adjective

Recent Examples of activism from the Web

Seba’s call for the end of the franc has sparked a rare outpouring of support from people across the region that demonstrates the reach of social media activism in West and Central Africa.

— pauline bax, Bloomberg.com, "Cash-Burning Activist Sets West Africa's Social Media on Fire," 29 Aug. 2017
More than a comedian, Gregory was driven by an unwavering commitment to front-line activism.

— the washington post, AL.com, "Dick Gregory, cutting-edge satirist and uncompromising activist, dies at 84," 19 Aug. 2017
The naked photo is just the latest in Harlow's outspoken body-positive activism.

— lauren alexis fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Winnie Harlow Celebrates Her Skin With A Nude Selfie On Instagram," 17 Aug. 2017
During the past decade, Yahoo has endured numerous leadership shake-ups, P.R. disasters, high-profile strategic flubs, and bellicose shareholder activism.

— joe pompeo, vanityfair.com, "Can Oath, the Arranged Media Marriage of Yahoo and AOL, Avoid a Rough Divorce?," 16 Aug. 2017
During the past decade, Yahoo has endured numerous leadership shake-ups, P.R. disasters, high-profile strategic flubs, and bellicose shareholder activism.

— joe pompeo, The Hive, "Can Oath, the Arranged Media Marriage of Yahoo and AOL, Avoid a Rough Divorce?," 16 Aug. 2017
A third-generation actress with a spirited sense of activism, Dern can attract donors to the museum and help bridge the generational divide within the Academy over its diversity initiative.

— rebecca keegan, HWD, "How Laura Dern Could Win Her Historic Bid for the Motion Picture Academy Presidency," 7 Aug. 2017
Group is mostly about sharing info and motivating activism but not about organizing in the usual sense.

— monroe trombly, Cincinnati.com, "Local 'resistance' groups on the rise: a field guide," 26 July 2017
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

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.

Origin and Etymology of activism

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First Known Use: 1915

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activism

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activist

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