abolitionist

[ ab-uh-lish-uh-nist ]

noun

1. (especially prior to the Civil War) a person who advocated or supported the abolition of slavery in the U.S.
2. a person who favors the abolition of any law or practice deemed harmful to society:

   the abolitionists who are opposed to capital punishment.

Other Words From

• proab·o·lition·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of abolitionist¹

First recorded in 1830–40; abolition + -ist

Example Sentences

That is the least that America’s first abolitionist chief executive can do.

From Slate

That was less true, perhaps, for a significant group of Black abolitionist writers who clearly understood Jefferson’s vision as limited by his belief in a natural hierarchy of color, even as he sought to break with the feudal hierarchies of England and the Old World.

From Salon

Your book draws attention to a group of Black abolitionist writers who sought to explain and critique that gap, and also explore what to do about it.

From Salon

“Free the Land! Free the People!” explores Crenshaw Dairy Mart’s abolitionist pod project — a blend of art, architecture and science designed to address systemic issues such as food insecurity and housing instability.

From Los Angeles Times

Built in 2021, the abolitionist pods are autonomously irrigated, solar-powered geodesic domes that serve as hubs for community empowerment and healing.

From Los Angeles Times