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

Like Van Dyke and Silver, tributes from people who revered the couple for their work as well as their commitment to art, family, and activism have poured in. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 Dec. 2025

The son of The Dick Van Dyke Show creator Carl Reiner, he was also known for his social activism and outspoken political commentary. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2025

After Garvey was deported in 1927 following a mail-fraud conviction, Moore was forced to channel her activism into vehicles beyond the declining UNIA. —Dara T. Mathis, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025

Bibliotherapy and Biblioactivism One of my favorite parts of Rumble’s books is her focus on bibliotherapy’s roots in activism. —Literary Hub, 16 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