activism

noun

ac·​tiv·​ism ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce activism (audio)
: 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 The absence of the state in much of public life, especially the lack of a social and economic safety net, have given rise to new forms of community activism and mutual aid that could eventually evolve into political forces in their own right. Maria Snegovaya, Foreign Affairs, 16 Nov. 2023 On the Nose is from progressive outlet Jewish Currents and has been covering anti-war activism on the left in Israel and the US. Ariel Shapiro, The Verge, 14 Nov. 2023 Levi and his vixens take to the stage, call to the assembled to momentarily hush the widespread chatter of spiritual accomplishments and anarchist activism and to ready themselves for the contest. Matt Thompson, SPIN, 8 Nov. 2023 Israel-Hamas war discourse shows the increasingly fraught nature of online speech People on the internet are debating what online activism and solidarity look like. Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2023 Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2023 The hot tub became an institution in Berkeley, a famously crunchy, liberal city known for its political activism and overpriced housing. Kirsten Grind, WSJ, 6 Nov. 2023 Right now, pro-Palestine activism in the U.S. seems to be at an all-time high, and not just from Muslims and Arab Americans. Hafiz Rashid, The New Republic, 4 Nov. 2023 Participant — a Hollywood force in making entertainment that combines art and activism — announced on Thursday that two new members are joining its Impact Advisory Council. Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'activism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of activism was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near activism

Cite this Entry

“Activism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activism. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

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