abolitionist

[ ab-uh-lish-uh-nist ]

/ ˌæb əˈlɪʃ ə nɪst /

Save This Word!

noun

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

a person who favors the abolition of any law or practice deemed harmful to society: the abolitionists who are opposed to capital punishment.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

Origin of abolitionist

First recorded in 1830–40; abolition + -ist

pro·ab·o·li·tion·ist, noun, adjective

Most radical was the 1856 Provisional Constitution drafted by northern abolitionists, including John Brown.
One U.S. Constitution Just Wasn’t Enough|Tom Arnold-Forster|July 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Until Haiti, abolitionists focused on either gradual emancipation, or simply ending the slave trade, not slavery itself.
How Blacks Freed Themselves from Slavery|Eric Herschthal|February 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Paul Ryan made essentially the same comparison between abolitionists and anti-abortion advocates.
GOP Politicians Say Abortion Is Like Slavery And Destroys Jobs|Emily Shire|January 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For abolitionists, it is about the possibility that even people who do something horrible can change.
Death Penalty Survives In California, But Three-Strikes Law Cut Back|David R. Dow|November 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST

If California dumps the death penalty this November, abolitionists will probably dance in the streets.
Life Without Parole Is A Terrible Idea|David R. Dow|April 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
What could the Abolitionists do now with their Northern societies to show that slavery was a wrong and a sin?
Beacon Lights of History, Volume XII|John Lord
Being old and choleric, he would go off into a fierce passion against the abolitionists.
Personal Recollections of Pardee Butler|Pardee Butler
Gen. Maclean didn't see any use of going back until they had whipped the Abolitionists.
Personal Recollections of Pardee Butler|Pardee Butler
Burnett evidently went away from Lawrence with a good opinion of this family of Yankee abolitionists, and Bro.
Personal Recollections of Pardee Butler|Pardee Butler
These people denounced the act of the mob, but at the same time they expressed their disapproval of Abolitionists.
Historic Adventures|Rupert S. Holland