voluntarism

noun vol·un·ta·rism \ ˈvä-lən-tə-ˌri-zəm \

|Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of voluntarism

1 : the principle or system of doing something by or relying on voluntary action or volunteers

2 : a theory that conceives will to be the dominant factor in experience or in the world

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voluntarist

play \ˈvä-lən-tə-rist\ noun

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voluntaristic

play \ˌvä-lən-tə-ˈris-tik\ adjective

Recent Examples of voluntarism from the Web

Christian churches have historically been crucibles of leadership, voluntarism, and action for progressive social movements, from abolitionism to civil rights.

— hahrie han, The New Republic, "Building a Bigger Tent," 11 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'voluntarism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.