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

Other Word Forms

• activist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of activism¹

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

Example Sentences

Once known for activism, it since has transitioned its strategy to focus on concentrated stakes in big public companies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some might see that as deflection, but in an era of corporate activism it is restraint deserving of praise.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Critics and digital subcultures embraced the niche volume like a manifesto — and a marker of Seu’s arrival as a public intellectual whose archiving was itself a form of activism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The endorsements come as the Sunrise Movement, an environmental activism organization, is expanding its mission to include fighting growing authoritarianism in the United States.

Read more on Salon

But the journalists brought in to help build trust and strengthen credibility on anti-trans legislation, grassroots activism and more, are being pushed back toward the margins.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• advocacy 
• involvement 
• militancy 

When To Use

What does activism mean?

Activism is the practice of taking direct action to achieve political or social goals.Activism can involve supporting a particular cause (or range of causes) or opposing it. Activism uses direct (and continued) actions, such as protests, lawsuits, lobbying, petitions, and strikes.A person who engages in activism can be called an activist. The word activist implies that such actions are taken consistently—that the activist is consistently active in their activism. 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).Like activist, the word activism is often preceded by a word referring to the kind of cause involved, as in political activism or environmental activism. Example: The only way to achieve change is to engage in continued activism—we can’t sit on the sidelines if we want to see results.