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

Without Permission is a film that tells the story of the pioneering Chicano art collective ASCO, whose activism and artistic vision challenged mainstream representation in the art world, Hollywood, and the media. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025

In 2018, for example, after eight years of protests, activism, and 26,000 signatures by local community members, the city of New York finally removed Dr. James Marion Sims’ statue. —Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Eighteen months ago, Barbra Streisand released My Name Is Barbra, an anecdote-rich memoir about her 60-plus years of blazing trails in music, film, Broadway, activism and beyond. —Joe Lynch, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025

The outlaw country star is also known for his activism, as one of the leading celebrity voices in support of marijuana legalization and biofuels, and is a continued advocate of American farmers. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 30 Apr. 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