activism

[ ak-tuh-viz-uhm ]

noun

1. the doctrine or practice of vigorous action or involvement as a means of achieving political or other goals, sometimes by demonstrations, protests, etc.
2. Philosophy.
   1. a theory that the essence of reality is pure activity, especially spiritual activity, or process.
   2. a theory that the relationship between the mind and the objects of perception depends upon the action of the mind.

activism

/ ˈæktɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. a policy of taking direct and often militant action to achieve an end, esp a political or social one

Derived Forms

• ˈactivist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of activism¹

From the German word Aktivismus, dating back to 1905–10. See active, -ism

Example Sentences

SEIU is one of the most powerful unions in the country and known for its activism.

From The Daily Beast

But we also live with healing, with love, with activism, with a voice.

From The Daily Beast

“Before 2011 I always saw my activism for LGBTI rights in mostly academic terms,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

Some of her calls for activism read as warmed-over tracts from decades ago.

From The Daily Beast

The conservatives saw all of this as blatantly political activism.

From The Daily Beast

PEN grew quickly to become an international advocate for freedom of expression and continues its activism to this day.

From Project Gutenberg

The Mysticism he opposes is of the type that is virtually the negation of the Activism which is to him fundamental.

From Project Gutenberg

Since it gives this precedence to activity, to such activity, this system may be called “Activism.”

From Project Gutenberg

To recognise all this clearly is at the same time to acknowledge the superiority of Activism over all mere Romanticism.

From Project Gutenberg

The main criterion for membership in that elite is power derived from approved ideological orientation and political activism.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• advocacy
• involvement
• militancy