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 targeting of foreign students allegedly involved in pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses. —Zachary Basu, Axios, 29 Mar. 2025

Khan-Ghany’s activism is just one example of recent Muslim advocacy in South Florida. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025

April 20th, commonly known as 4/20, has evolved from an underground counterculture reference to a significant day of activism, public demonstration, and policy advocacy for cannabis legalization. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025

At a Thursday news conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio — the son of Cuban immigrants — said his State Department is revoking student visas as part of its response to pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses. —A Martínez, NPR, 28 Mar. 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