activism

noun ac·tiv·ism \ ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm \

|Updated on: 18 Jun 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

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activist

play \ˈak-ti-vist\ noun or adjective

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activistic

play \ˌak-ti-ˈvis-tik\ adjective

Recent Examples of activism from the Web

During the powerful speech, Fallon spoke of the impact the students’ gun-control and school-safety activism has had on the world.

— lisa ryan, The Cut, "The Best Celebrity Commencement Speeches of 2018 (So Far)," 11 June 2018
West Hollywood leaders recognized Griffin for raising more than $5 million for HIV/AIDS services and other LGBTQ activism.

— Washington Post, "Griffin honored for LGBTQ activism, pays tribute to Spade," 7 June 2018
The center is based at Tufts University in Massachusetts and researches youth voting and activism.

— scott wartman, Cincinnati.com, "Women want to lead Hamilton County Democrats. Five things to know ahead of Saturday's vote," 5 June 2018
Image Fieseler handles contradictions with finesse, parsing the closet’s long shadow over gay life in New Orleans, one reason the tragedy did not catalyze the kind of outrage and activism that followed the Stonewall rebellion.

— parul sehgal, New York Times, "In 1973, an Arsonist Killed 32 People at a Gay Club. Why Has History Shrugged?," 29 May 2018
Curry, who has been a pastor for nearly three decades, is known for seamlessly blending spiritual and political themes in his preaching and activism.

— daniel burke, CNN, "Bishop whose sermon lit up royal wedding to lead White House protest," 22 May 2018
With so few companies on the verge of default, investors in the debt are finding other ways to keep busy, like turning to activism or joining banks in the loan market to try to fill the gap left by a shrinking pool of distressed bonds.

— cecile gutscher, Bloomberg.com, "With Little Distress to Feast On, Here's How Vulture Funds Cope," 16 May 2018
Lee uses Blaxploitation motifs playfully but with purpose, honoring an era of discourse and activism while urging for the necessity of a similar film language now.

— richard lawson, HWD, "In Spike Lee’s Invigorating BlacKkKlansman, the Real Joke Is on Us," 14 May 2018
Rosario Dawson will be recognized for her advocacy and activism at this month’s GLSEN Respect Awards, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal.

— aurelie corinthios, PEOPLE.com, "Rosario Dawson to Be Honored with Inspiration Award at GLSEN Respect Awards," 9 May 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.