abolitionist

[ab-uh-lish-uh-nist]

noun

1. (especially prior to the Civil War) a person who advocated or supported the abolition of slavery in the U.S.

2. a person who favors the abolition of any law or practice deemed harmful to society.

   the abolitionists who are opposed to capital punishment.

Other Word Forms

• proabolitionist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abolitionist¹

First recorded in 1830–40; abolition + -ist