activism

[ak-tuh-viz-uhm]

noun

1. the doctrine or practice of vigorous action or involvement as a means of achieving political or other goals, sometimes by demonstrations, protests, etc.

2. Philosophy.

   1. a theory that the essence of reality is pure activity, especially spiritual activity, or process.

   2. a theory that the relationship between the mind and the objects of perception depends upon the action of the mind.

activism

/ ˈæktɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. a policy of taking direct and often militant action to achieve an end, esp a political or social one

Other Word Forms

• activist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of activism¹

From the German word Aktivismus, dating back to 1905–10. See active, -ism

Example Sentences

He has called for the government to take action on what he describes as the genocide in Gaza, as well as being arrested for his activism with environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion.

From BBC

The buscadores carry out the searches and their activism at great personal risk.

From BBC

Members are encouraged to stay secretive, prepare for societal collapse and build a network of committed, fit men ready to act through infiltration, activism or violence.

From Salon

Far-right activist Blake Neff, an associate of Kirk, typically has accused King of not really being a “peaceful activist,” but actually advocating for an activism that became “a very violent thing.”

From Salon

Sai and his wife decided to leave Thailand as they were worried of being deported back to Myanmar, also known as Burma, where Sai believes he will be persecuted for his activism against the junta.

From BBC

Related Words

• advocacy 
• involvement 
• militancy 

When To Use

What does activism mean?

Activism is the practice of taking direct action to achieve political or social goals.Activism can involve supporting a particular cause (or range of causes) or opposing it. Activism uses direct (and continued) actions, such as protests, lawsuits, lobbying, petitions, and strikes.A person who engages in activism can be called an activist. The word activist implies that such actions are taken consistently—that the activist is consistently active in their activism. For example, protesting is a form of activism, but someone who attends one protest probably wouldn’t be called an activist (unless they continue to take such actions).Like activist, the word activism is often preceded by a word referring to the kind of cause involved, as in political activism or environmental activism. Example: The only way to achieve change is to engage in continued activism—we can’t sit on the sidelines if we want to see results.