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

Her win is the biggest political upset on the Eastside since Chicano activist Raul Ruiz siphoned off enough votes from Richard Alatorre in a 1971 Assembly race to allow a Republican to win.

From Los Angeles Times

Jen Senko is an documentary filmmaker, activist and author.

From Salon

The refrain is all too familiar for 60-year-old activist Atul Sharma who was so worried about the changes menopause brought in her mood and sex drive that she hid the condition from her husband for nearly six years.

From BBC

Dane Brown, who survived a 2019 drug overdose and prompted an investigation against Democratic donor and activist Ed Buck, was found dead on a South Los Angeles sidewalk last week.

From Los Angeles Times

A well-known Iranian human rights activist has killed himself in protest at what he called the dictatorship of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

From BBC

Related Words

• combatant
• demonstrator
• fighter
• protester
• rioter