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

Conservative politicians have criticized civics initiatives that encourage students to participate in their communities, saying these tactics push activism. —Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Not because a name matters more than people, but because that name carries trust, purpose, and decades of work connected to environmental activism, product, storytelling and community impact. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 28 May 2026

This board book, developed by activism and childhood development experts, serves as a resource for adults to discuss race, discrimination and prejudice with children. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026

Both have backgrounds in environmental activism. —Idaho Statesman, 28 May 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
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism