activist

[ ak-tuh-vist ]

noun

1. an especially active, vigorous advocate of a cause, especially a political cause.

adjective

1. of or relating to activism or activists:

   an activist organization for environmental concern.

2. advocating or opposing a cause or issue vigorously, especially a political cause:

   Activist opponents of the president picketed the White House.

Other Words From

• non·activ·ist adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of activist¹

First recorded in 1905–10; active + -ist

Example Sentences

“The goal should be changing behavior,” says Jay Jordan, a longtime criminal justice reform activist who spent 7½ years in prison and advised the Proposition 6 campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

Ecocide is not an officially recognized crime under international law, as is genocide, but activists and activists say its consequences can have similar consequences.

From Salon

When activists first tried to force transparency on the church, the Southern Baptist Convention's lawyer, Augie Boto, accused them of conspiring as part of "a satanic scheme."

From Salon

Even when Israeli and international activists accompany villagers to their olive groves, hoping to deter the threat, there’s no guarantee of safety.

From BBC

Democratic and Republican activists are asking voters to correct technical errors on their ballots in several close races that could determine control of the House.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• combatant
• demonstrator
• fighter
• protester
• rioter

More About Activist

What does activist mean?

An activist is a person who engages in activism—the practice of taking direct action to achieve political or social goals.

An activist may support a particular cause (or range of causes) or oppose it.

In any case, an activist tries to achieve such goals through direct (and continued) actions, such as protests, lawsuits, lobbying, petitions, and strikes.

The word activist implies that the person takes such actions consistently—that they are consistently active in these pursuits. 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).

The word activist is often preceded by a word referring to the kind of cause the activist is involved in, as in political activist or animal rights activist. 

It can also be used as an adjective to describe such people or their activities, as in activist lawyer or activist organization. 

Example: The prominent activist is known for organizing this summer’s mass protests.

Where does activist come from?

The first records of the word activist come from around the early 1900s. It’s a combination of active and the suffix –ist, which indicates a person who practices something or holds certain principles. The related suffix -ism is used in words that refer to such practices or doctrines, such as activism.

Activism implies active participation in a cause—participation that is consistent and lasts. The word is sometimes used in terms that imply that someone has a specific agenda. This is the case in terms like activist judge, which implies that such a judge will not be objective or impartial and will instead make rulings based on a specific agenda.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to activist?

• activism (noun)

What are some synonyms for activist?

• advocate

What are some words that share a root or word element with activist? 

• active
• activity
• passivist

What are some words that often get used in discussing activist?

• political
• social justice
• protest
• demonstration
• rights
• organizer
• resistance
• change
• lobbying
• group

How is activist used in real life?

People who are called activists typically work for or against change in political and social areas.

Nadine Gordimer was a fearless anti-apartheid activist and writer who kept the true face of racism right in front of us, in all its complexity.

She was awarded the 1991 #NobelPrize in Literature and was born #OnThisDay in 1923. pic.twitter.com/mZOnzwJN8X

— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) November 20, 2020

Tonight we feature in ‘Edgeland’ a new work by sound artist @hayleysuviste which previews on @BBCRadio3 at 10. It is an exploration of Mcr’s shared green spaces & shines a light on the activists, academics & local people who have taken up the fight against corporate interests. pic.twitter.com/iB1h4LblAO

— Save RyeBank Fields (@ryebankfields) November 20, 2020

Being a social justice activist, organizer or advocate calls on us to do the “non-sexy” work. Doing the research and homework isn’t sexy. However, nothing causes more detriment to the movement than a loud voice that speaks purely from a place of emotion while ignoring facts.

— Joseph Shepard, MPA (@JShepard_17) November 18, 2020

 

 

Try using activist!

Which of the following actions are used by activists?

A. protests
B. lawsuits
C. lobbying
D. all of the above