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

The art and activism of Sliman Mansour were distinguished by his love of Palestine and his innate leadership. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Some of the companies illustrating this point hardly fit the stereotype of progressive corporate activism. — Scott M. Curran, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026

Here’s a look at how Manolo’s Latin Bakery evolved into a center of community activism. — Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026

Neither the government nor Sasol has plans to shutter Secuda, but the modeling by University of Cape Town researchers comes as the company faces shareholder activism and banks withdrawing funding for high-carbon assets. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 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