environmentalist

American  

[en-vahy-ruhn-men-tl-ist, -vahy-ern-] / ɛnˌvaɪ rənˈmɛn tl ɪst, -ˌvaɪ ərn- /

noun

1. an expert on environmental problems.

2. any person who advocates or works to protect the air, water, animals, plants, and other natural resources from pollution or its effects.

3. a person who believes that differences between individuals or groups, especially in moral and intellectual attributes, are predominantly determined by environmental factors, as surroundings, upbringing, or experience (hereditarian ).

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environmentalist British  

/ ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəlɪst /

noun

1. an adherent of environmentalism

2. a person who is concerned with the maintenance of ecological balance and the conservation of the environment

3. a person concerned with issues that affect the environment, such as pollution

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Other Word Forms

• antienvironmentalist noun
• environmentalism noun

Etymology

Origin of environmentalist

First recorded in 1915–20; environmental ( def. ) + -ist

Compare meaning

How does environmentalist compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• conservationist vs. environmentalist

Example Sentences

Groups representing environmentalists, Indigenous people, artisanal fishers and Afro-Brazilian communities have gone to court to request an end to the drilling, which they see as a risk to a region rich in biodiversity.

From Barron's

The law, which drew ire from environmentalists, is intended to prevent a spike in gas prices amid refinery closures.

From Los Angeles Times

His crusade to cut red tape and ease zoning rules has pitted him against environmentalists and Nimby activists while winning praise from developers.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is hard for a committed environmentalist to feel cheerful these days.

From Los Angeles Times

These included anti-war protesters, the Civil Rights Movement, environmentalists, student groups and various racial and ethnic organizations among others.

From Salon

Related Words

• ecologist