activist

American  

[ak-tuh-vist] / ˈæk tə vɪst /

noun

1. an especially active, vigorous advocate of a cause, especially a political cause.

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adjective

1. of or relating to activism or activists.

   an activist organization for environmental concern.

2. 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

First recorded in 1905–10; active + -ist

Example Sentences

“The vast majority of the callers are individuals facing extortion or immediate physical danger,” said John Grace, the Ugandan activist who runs the hotline.

From The Wall Street Journal

Laxmi Ghimire, another activist at Sunday's protest, said "promoting a motto of good governance will not make the country and its people feel it".

From Barron's

California officials and activists said they were shocked by the allegations brought forth in a New York Times investigation and felt it was essential to act right away.

From Los Angeles Times

For journalists, activists and anyone who values privacy, this added layer of protection is a real safeguard against government surveillance and censorship.

From Salon

One such person was Lee Tse-chung, an activist in Taipei who led a recall campaign with a core team of about 10 people.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• combatant
• demonstrator
• fighter
• protester
• rioter