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

Bird Rock council looking to increase community engagement The Bird Rock Community Council is looking to increase grassroots activism and community engagement this year. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

While armed attacks remain rare in Chile, the nation’s high schools and universities have a storied history of activism. —ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026

Chen became the digital officer for an LGBT activism nonprofit, building one of the most pioneering advocacy websites across Europe at the time. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026

Protesters tell IndyStar that they are motivated by a variety of issues, and their activism (and often their sign) is shaped by what concerns resonate with them most strongly. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 28 Mar. 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