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”; see origin at anti- ( def. ), fascism, fascist

Example Sentences

Seven people have gone on trial in Dresden, eastern Germany, charged with being members or supporters of a militant, criminal left-wing extremist group, Antifa Ost - also known as the "hammer gang".

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

As we sat around the table, they made jokes about being Antifa or perhaps being terrorists with their bad knees.

From Slate • Oct. 22, 2025

Joan Donovan, asst. professor of journalism at Boston University and an expert on extremism, said the initial rumors about the bullet casings being marked with Antifa or trans ideaology symbols seemed too obvious.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 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

Author Noam Chomsky and journalist Chris Hedges have been outspoken left-wing critics of Antifa, arguing that their tactics hurt the progressive cause.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2021