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

In addition to his political activism, Michael was involved with several charities, including serving as chair of the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation board. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

If decided in favor of The Stanford Daily, Wise’s decision could limit the government’s use of immigration laws to target campus activism, shielding student journalists from retaliation. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026

Like Greta Thunberg—another firebrand who refused to neuter her activism after being fêted by the liberal establishment—Smalls joined the 2025 Gaza Freedom Flotilla, attempting to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza strip. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

Harvard University's president took a jab at the school's faculty in a recent podcast, saying that activism in the classroom has led to student fears of speaking freely. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026

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