activist
Americannoun
adjective
-
of or relating to activism or activists.
an activist organization for environmental concern.
-
advocating or opposing a cause or issue vigorously, especially a political cause.
Activist opponents of the president picketed the White House.
Usage
What does activist mean? An activist is a person who engages in activism—the practice of taking direct action to achieve political or social goals.An activist may support a particular cause (or range of causes) or oppose it.In any case, an activist tries to achieve such goals through direct (and continued) actions, such as protests, lawsuits, lobbying, petitions, and strikes.The word activist implies that the person takes such actions consistently—that they are consistently active in these pursuits. 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).The word activist is often preceded by a word referring to the kind of cause the activist is involved in, as in political activist or animal rights activist. It can also be used as an adjective to describe such people or their activities, as in activist lawyer or activist organization. Example: The prominent activist is known for organizing this summer’s mass protests.
Other Word Forms
- nonactivist adjective
Etymology
Origin of activist
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Snap stock soared Tuesday following a report that activist investor Irenic Capital Management has built a stake in the company and is pushing for improved operating and financial performances.
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
Another activist investor, Starboard Value, delivered a letter to CEO Michael Smith and the company’s directors in March.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
She is a poet, musician, activist, sound designer, organizer, curator, visual artist and Afrofuturist visionary.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
Unlike the military, “the Basij are part of society,” said Azam Jangravi, an Iranian activist who campaigned against the compulsory veil.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
Theo has always been greatly involved in activist efforts.
From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
