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

Derived Forms

• ˈactivist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of activism¹

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

Example Sentences

He was just 20 when his activism landed him in jail, the first of what would be several convictions.

From BBC

"What we have is a movement and what we are now looking at is how we transition that into more reforms and more effective activism," Mayer said.

From BBC

Thorpe has a history of Indigenous activism which has, at times, grabbed global headlines.

From BBC

As the government has cracked down on social activism, state media coverage has also declined.

From Los Angeles Times

By grounding her activism in history, she was ensuring that past injustices would not be repeated.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advocacy
• involvement
• militancy

More About Activism

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.

Where does activism come from?

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

Activism implies active participation in a cause—participation that is consistent and lasts. The word is often used in the context of protests but does mean the same exact thing—protests are just one form of activism.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to activism?

• activist (noun, adjective)

What are some synonyms for activism?

• advocacy

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

 

• active
• activity

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

 

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

 

How is activism used in real life?

Activism typically involves work for or against change in political and social areas.

.@StaceyAbrams has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for her history-making voter registration and mobilization efforts.

Her activism has shown voters across the country the power of their votes and has ultimately strengthened our democracy.https://t.co/yEFyXwVjTH

— When We All Vote (@WhenWeAllVote) February 1, 2021

Happiest of Happy birthday to Ms.@KerryWashington!! You are a powder keg of talent, intelligence, activism, leadership and HEART!! Thank you for living your life with such undeniable purpose. We experience the overflow. Love you 💛💛 pic.twitter.com/uqlc3GEzJY

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 31, 2021

How do I not burnout when doing advocacy/activism work?

I set a modest number of hours a week to dedicate to activism. I would rather see an army of people dedicate 5% of their time and remain in academia as wonderful people, than lose those people to burnout and disillusion.

— Dr Emma Chapman (@DrEOChapman) February 1, 2021

 

Try using activism!

Which of the following actions can be a form of activism?

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