pacifism

noun

pac·​i·​fism ˈpa-sə-ˌfi-zəm 

1

: opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes

specifically : refusal to bear arms on moral or religious grounds

For Quakers pacifism is a major tenet of belief.

2

: an attitude or policy of nonresistance

efforts toward pacifism and civil rights

Examples of pacifism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Reconciliation is as natural as conflict — but pacifism, or being completely unwilling to defend yourself, while aiming for peace as an end, provides no means of getting there. —Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025

The filmmakers view Russell’s commitment to pacifism, opposition to imperialism, and humanitarian principles as particularly resonant today. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025

Lee’s firm, unshakable belief in pacifism ran counter to the American Revolutionary War. —Barry Levitt, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

Their pacifism later brings them in direct conflict with the colonists gearing up to fight the British. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French pacifisme, from pacifique pacific

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pacifism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

pacifism

noun

pac·​i·​fism ˈpas-ə-ˌfiz-əm 

: opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes

pacifist

-fəst 

noun