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

Rooney is no stranger to political activism, having emerged in recent years as one of the literary world’s most vocal advocates for Palestinian rights. — Dan Sheehan, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026

In recent social media posts and in the interview, Steyer said the environmental activism that helped anchor his political career needs to be framed in pocketbook terms that resonate with the electorate. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

He’s been dedicated to civil rights activism in the years since his initial protests on the field. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026

Speaking to Rolling Stone earlier this month, Accurso said that backlash against her Gaza activism won’t keep her from speaking out. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing activism

• men's rights activism

Rhymes for activism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism