Antifa

American  

[an-tee-fuh, an-ti-fuh, an-tee-fah] / ænˈti fə, ˈæn tɪ fə, ˈæn ti fɑ /

Or antifa

noun

1. a political movement whose followers are left-wing activists who oppose fascist authoritarianism, capitalism, and extreme right-wing ideologies such as nationalism, xenophobia, and white supremacy (often used attributively).

   Antifa protesters marched on a far-right demonstration, with police intervening to stop the opposing sides from clashing.

2. a group of such activists, or a member of such a group.

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Etymology

Origin of Antifa

First recorded in 1945–50; from German Antifa, shortening of Antifaschismus “antifascism” and antifaschistisch “antifascist”; anti- ( def. ), fascism, fascist

Example Sentences

Trials of other members of Antifa Ost are currently under way in German courts in Düsseldorf and Dresden.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

The first U.S. organization to adopt the name was Rose City Antifa, founded in Portland in 2007.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

Despite one heated exchange between protesters and Antifa members, the conflict didn’t turn violent and no police reports were filed nor were any arrests made, according to the Daily Mail.

From Washington Times • Aug. 30, 2022

So, there are certainly a wide range of opinions about Antifa on the left.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2021

Questions 33 and 34 ask about potential jurors’ familiarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and Antifa, respectively.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2021