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

The most touching sections feature John expressing his love for Yoko, and drawing a connection between his love for her and his relationship with Paul, as well as his unresolved feelings about his 1970s activism. —Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 15 May 2026

The 93-year-old artist’s exhibition emphasizes her lifelong commitment to peace activism and humanitarian messaging through decades of artistic work focused on social change. —Julius Miller follow, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement/activism in Texas. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

The pop star — who is friends with William's cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie — was made an MBE in King Charles' New Year Honours List 2026 for her environmental activism. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 14 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