feminism

[ fem-uh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) an organized movement for the attainment of such rights for women.
3. Older Use. feminine character.

feminism

/ ˈfɛmɪˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. a doctrine or movement that advocates equal rights for women

feminism

¹

1. The doctrine — and the political movement based on it — that women should have the same economic, social, and political rights as men. ( See under “Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology.” )

feminism

²

1. A movement for granting women political, social, and economic equality with men. ( See women's movement .)

Other Words From

• femi·nist noun adjective
• anti·femi·nism noun
• pro·femi·nism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of feminism¹

First recorded in 1840–45; from Latin fēmina “woman” + -ism ( def ); 1890–95 for sense of “women's movement” (from feminist ( def ), adjective); feminine ( def )

Example Sentences

The Prices were motivated by “a funny version of feminism, where the glass ceiling is whether or not you’re allowed to shoot a gun at policeman,” Zetumer said.

From Los Angeles Times

While its exact origins or founder is unknown, scholars and activists agree that the 4B movement began in South Korea sometime after 2015, as part of a wider wave of youth-led radical feminism popularized through online forums.

From Los Angeles Times

Lastly, as far as winning over younger voters, including men, it may be germane to note—and if it weren’t relevant to electoral concerns I wouldn’t bring it up, because of my feminism and my respect—that many people consider Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attractive.

From Slate

What Beyoncé is doing, Palmer says, is performance art — “emoting something that is meant to be an aspirational exploration of feminism, gender-nonconformity but still softness, being assertive, having her peace in chaos with ‘Lemonade.’”

From Los Angeles Times

Imagine if Rogan decided to pivot and he began to provide his vast audience of men exposure to more progressive and feminist guests — including men who support feminism and don’t reflexively lash out against it.

From Salon

Related Words

• feminist movement