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peacenik

American  
[pees-nik] / ˈpis nɪk /

noun

Slang: Often Disparaging.
  1. an activist or demonstrator who opposes war and military intervention; pacifist.


Etymology

Origin of peacenik

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; peace + -nik

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

I've been saying for years that his schtick about being some kind of peacenik was a crock.

From Salon Jan. 8, 2025

But he also said “naïve” and peacenik speeches about everyone living together happily ever after weren’t helpful either.

From Seattle Times Sep. 21, 2023

Even Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia's first post-independence president and the ultimate peacenik, could not find a resting place last year without a dispute breaking out.

From BBC Aug. 10, 2022

It is true, his friends admitted: Martin Gugino is an activist, a seasoned peacenik who in a lifetime of protest has taken part in demonstrations against military drones, climate change, nuclear weapons and police brutality.

From New York Times Jun. 9, 2020

When receiving my Nobel Prize, I'm so lost in thought that the peacenik seated beside me has to elbow me in the ribs, saying, "Hey, buddy, I think they're calling your name."

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

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