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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Reis brought her activism to the ring, advocating for MMIW with a special insignia on her shorts, as well as bringing awareness on social media and at conferences. Avalon Hester, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 One by one the evening’s honorees took the stage at the Beverly Hilton, starting with Fonda who presented the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award to Annette Bening, highlighting her career and her activism. Booth Moore, WWD, 25 Oct. 2024 Now, as the judiciary has been doing less of this, the left has been counting on increasing activism from government bureaucracies and regulatory agencies to enact its unpopular agendas. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 Tourmaline has carried the torch of Johnson’s organizing through her own activism, too. Wren Sanders, Them, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for activism 

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 12 Nov. 2024.

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