activism

noun ac·tiv·ism \ ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm \

Updated on: 21 May 2018

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 \ˈak-ti-vist\ noun or adjective

—

activistic

play \ˌak-ti-ˈvis-tik\ adjective

Recent Examples of activism from the Web

Under Trump, an exciting groundswell of activism has appeared.

— peter-christian aigner, The New Republic, "The Long, Tortured History of the Job Guarantee," 11 May 2018
Part of the museum's mission is to develop lesson plans around the civil rights movement and to tell the story of Parks' lifetime of activism.

— samantha swindler, OregonLive.com, "Offensive Rosa Parks cartoon removed from school curriculum (Commentary)," 22 Apr. 2018
Friday's walkouts are the latest demonstrations in a swell of activism after 14 students and three staff members were shot and killed at a Florida high school Feb. 14.

— tegan hanlon, Anchorage Daily News, "‘I have never seen anything of this magnitude’: Anchorage students plan to join national school walkout over gun violence Friday," 20 Apr. 2018
To many conservatives who had criticized the gun control favoring Parkland activists capturing national attention, Kashuv’s pro-gun activism was a breath of fresh air.

— jane coaston, Vox, "You’ve heard of David Hogg. But the right has claimed another Parkland student as its own.," 18 Apr. 2018
Her son Anzel was completing his senior year at Desert Mirage High School, which has a history of activism.

— gabriel thompson, Longreads, "Coachella, Underground," 12 Apr. 2018
Richards credits her parents for helping her launch a life of activism.

— allison duncan, Chicago Reader, "‘Women are the most powerful political force in America right now,’ Cecile Richards says," 12 Apr. 2018
However, some reject the idea that Reid's activism is keeping him off a roster, and instead point to the slow free agent market at the position as the hold up.

— khadrice rollins, SI.com, "Report: Eric Reid Will Meet With Bengals For First Team Visit of His Free Agency," 9 Apr. 2018
The activism that has ignited in our state, as well as nationally, is a plea for change.

— cynthia sewell, idahostatesman, "Arm teachers? Require gun training? Here’s where Idaho governor candidates stand | Idaho Statesman," 7 Apr. 2018

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

borrowed from German Aktivismus, from aktiv ¹active + -ismus -ism

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First Known Use: 1915

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