activism

American  

[ak-tuh-viz-uhm] / ˈæk təˌvɪz əm /

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.

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activism British  

/ ˈæktɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. a policy of taking direct and often militant action to achieve an end, esp a political or social one

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• activist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of activism

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

Explanation

Activism is working or campaigning for political or social change. Your activism as a college student might help you get a job with a human rights organization after you graduate. There are many different kinds of activism — advocating for environmental regulations is one type of activism, and marching in the streets to protest the closing of your town's library is another kind. Any controversial social issues you can think of involve activism on both sides. This sense of the word has been around since 1920, from activist. The Latin root of both words is actus, "a doing, a driving."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

activism

Unlike some novelty candidates, Harvey insists there is a serious point to his activism.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

Cunningham's comments have become a flashpoint inside a league which has a long history of player activism on issues including race, gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

“Bloody Sunday” was also the last time she would speak to her family and friends, or lend her activism to the Civil Rights Movement.

From Slate ● Jul. 27, 2026

An in-person event of this scale was difficult to organize but necessary to NDLON’s activism, said Pablo Alvarado, the organization’s co-executive director.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

He’d been forty-four years old when he was put in shackles and sent to prison for his activism, and seventy-one when he was finally released in 1990.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• advocacy
• involvement
• militancy