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

Huerta continued her activism, establishing the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which helps underrepresented and under-resourced communities with voting. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2024

Over the next six-plus decades, Sinclair did a bit of everything — dabbling in performance art, journalism, cultural and political activism. —Mike Householder, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024

Peltz’s previous corporate activism, and alliance with Perlmutter, has come under the spotlight. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024

The mother of three told USA TODAY that her past activism has won her support from across the political spectrum. —USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024

The annual gathering, now in its 22nd year, pays homage to Chavez’s advocacy while connecting his work to modern day activism. —Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 28 Mar. 2024

Judd Blevins, who faces a recall election next week, declined to provide details of his prior white nationalist activism. —Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 27 Mar. 2024

Earlier this month, the Duchess also praised her daughters for their activism while speaking with PEOPLE about her latest endeavor — helming Global Citizen NOW: Melbourne, a summit dedicated to ending extreme poverty. —Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 24 Mar. 2024

The brief flowering of activism in the fall of 2022 was driven by broader discontents than anti-zero-COVID sentiment. —Christina Knight, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above