abolitionist

[ ab-uh-lish-uh-nist ]

/ ˌæb əˈlɪʃ ə nɪst /

(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.

Nearby words

First recorded in 1830–40; abolition + -ist

Related formspro·ab·o·li·tion·ist, noun, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

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
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
But the consequence of ignoring him is that abolitionists seem indifferent to his pain.
Conn. Ends Death Penalty, But Not For 11 Men On Death Row|David R. Dow|April 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST

The position of Christian abolitionists was the exact opposite.
Desperately Seeking a GOP Hero|Stanley Crouch|September 25, 2009|DAILY BEAST
It was not a convention of Abolitionists, although Garrison was a member, but of politicians, mostly of the Whig party.
William Lloyd Garrison|Archibald H. Grimke
In those trial times words from the mouth or the pen of Abolitionists had the force of deadly missiles.
William Lloyd Garrison|Archibald H. Grimke
Hundreds of abolitionists of the North thought it their duty to flock to Kansas and take up arms.
The Story of the Outlaw|Emerson Hough
These are the practical results of the policy of the abolitionists.
Cotton is King and The Pro-Slavery Arguments|Various
We are inclined to think it is, as to those Abolitionists who lead and govern the cause.
Abolition a Sedition|Geo. W. Donohue