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

Avi Steinberg’s Grace Paley situates the celebrated Jewish-American author within her literary and political context, spotlighting Paley’s roles in feminist activism, antiwar efforts, and anti-imperialist advocacy. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025

This Department of Justice has no tolerance for undemocratic judicial activism. —Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 8 Dec. 2025

One reason these films can have an impact even as their distribution power dwindles is docs’ quickly thinning line between activism and journalism. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Dec. 2025

From grandmotherly advice to activism and a panic attack on a plane, the spark for a short film can illuminate at any time. —Natalie Jamieson, Variety, 6 Dec. 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