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

The reason for that is resoundingly apparent in the documentary “Bernstein’s Wall,” opening at New York’s Film Forum this weekend, which focuses on both Bernstein’s political activism and politically canny sense of his public.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

But when our philosophy and approach aren’t understood or are flatly rejected, we feel compelled to go public with our activism.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

When activism pushes drugmakers to focus on the near term, the cost may show up not in next quarter’s earnings report, but in the medicines that never get discovered.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The Black struggle for voting rights perhaps best exemplifies how Black activism was critical to the formation of the Reconstruction Amendments.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

My activism had caught the attention of some men in my culture too.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

Related Words

• advocacy
• involvement
• militancy