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

As festivals become flashpoints for political activism, some fear the industry’s gold rush may now be at risk. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025

Diab reminded the commissioner that the quarterback was still paying the price for his activism. —Nasha Smith, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Behind this success were a group of politically savvy characters whose relentless focus on improving the designs, awareness, and usage of child safety seats is an important model of citizen activism and public health advocacy. —Time, 5 Aug. 2025

Nationally, more than 1,000 students have had their visas revoked or legal statuses changed, not just for activism, but also with little to no reason given or for minor violations such as a parking ticket, according to media reports. —Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for activism

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