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

Save Cedar Creek Lake attributed that to community activism and to the support of Henderson County Judge Wade McKinney and the Commissioners Court. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026

The hearing follows a White House report that argued the Smithsonian Institution had abandoned objective scholarship in favor of progressive activism. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 21 July 2026

His activism helped transform a small group of Havana artists into one of the island’s most influential opposition movements. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 20 July 2026

Religious groups fight back In Miami, religious activism aligning with traditionally progressive movements has been emerging in recent years. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 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