activist

American  

[ak-tuh-vist] / ˈæk tə vɪst /

noun

1. an especially active, vigorous advocate of a cause, especially a political cause.

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adjective

1. of or relating to activism or activists.

   an activist organization for environmental concern.

2. advocating or opposing a cause or issue vigorously, especially a political cause.

   Activist opponents of the president picketed the White House.

Usage

What does activist mean? An activist is a person who engages in activism—the practice of taking direct action to achieve political or social goals. An activist may support a particular cause (or range of causes) or oppose it. In any case, an activist tries to achieve such goals through direct (and continued) actions, such as protests, lawsuits, lobbying, petitions, and strikes. The word activist implies that the person takes such actions consistently—that they are consistently active in these pursuits. For example, protesting is a form of activism, but someone who attends one protest probably wouldn’t be called an activist (unless they continue to take such actions). The word activist is often preceded by a word referring to the kind of cause the activist is involved in, as in political activist or animal rights activist. It can also be used as an adjective to describe such people or their activities, as in activist lawyer or activist organization. Example: The prominent activist is known for organizing this summer’s mass protests.

Other Word Forms

• nonactivist
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of activist

First recorded in 1905–10; active + -ist

Explanation

An activist is a person who campaigns for some kind of social change. When you participate in a march protesting the closing of a neighborhood library, you're an activist. Someone who's actively involved in a protest or a political or social cause can be called an activist. Demonstrations, strikes, and sit-ins are all ways that an activist might work toward the change she believes in. The root word of activist is the Latin actus, "a doing, a driving force, or an impulse." Someone who acts on what she believes is an activist.

Example Sentences

Separately, the company said its top finance executive, Brian Witherow, is departing along with two other executives, as the amusement-park operator continues to overhaul its C-suite amid pressure from activist investors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Now, actress and activist Kilcher has claimed Cameron "extracted, replicated, and commercially deployed her facial likeness" for Neytiri's design, accusing him and Disney of violating her publicity rights.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

“There’s no question he’d be the most knowledgeable and committed climate advocate that’s ever held really high office in America,” climate activist and author Bill McKibben recently told Politico.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

I found online memes from Amar Shergill — a Steyer supporter and activist I respect who formerly chaired the California Democratic Party’s Progressive Caucus — including his charts comparing the Democratic field.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Though I embraced my simultaneous roles as athlete and activist, there were times at the games when I craved time outside of the spotlight.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

• combatant
• demonstrator
• fighter
• protester
• rioter