environmentalist

[en-vahy-ruhn-men-tl-ist, -vahy-ern-]

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 ).

environmentalist

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• environmentalism noun
• antienvironmentalist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of environmentalist¹

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

Example Sentences

An environmentalist, she along with environmental groups and residents worked together to stop the construction of a power plant.

From Los Angeles Times

It might seem paradoxical that Gilbert considers herself an environmentalist while standing in the way of what most environmentalists today see as progress.

From Salon

However, environmentalist Nigel Jones argued the declining birth rate locally was not bad.

From BBC

You’ve advocated for supported reforestation, have played shows in support of environmentalist causes, and even have a community space in Mexico City called “Día al Día.”

From Los Angeles Times

But the amount of water and electricity data centers consume concerns some environmentalists.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ecologist