Antifa

American  

[an-tee-fuh, an-ti-fuh, an-tee-fah] / ænˈti fə, ˈæn tɪ fə, ˈæn ti fɑ /

Or antifa

noun

1. a political movement whose followers are left-wing activists who oppose fascist authoritarianism, capitalism, and extreme right-wing ideologies such as nationalism, xenophobia, and white supremacy (often used attributively).

   Antifa protesters marched on a far-right demonstration, with police intervening to stop the opposing sides from clashing.

2. a group of such activists, or a member of such a group.

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Etymology

Origin of Antifa

First recorded in 1945–50; from German Antifa, shortening of Antifaschismus “antifascism” and antifaschistisch “antifascist”; see origin at anti- ( def. ), fascism, fascist

Example Sentences

Trials of other members of Antifa Ost are currently under way in German courts in Düsseldorf and Dresden.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

The first U.S. organization to adopt the name was Rose City Antifa, founded in Portland in 2007.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

Plaintiffs' counsel responded, "Objection, I don't believe Reverend Wispelwey testified at all about Antifa beliefs. In fact, Reverend Wispelwey testified he was not Antifa."

From Salon • Nov. 12, 2021

Questions 33 and 34 ask about potential jurors’ familiarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and Antifa, respectively.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2021

Mr. Sullivan says he was acting as an independent journalist on Jan. 6 and has denied any affiliation with Antifa.

From Washington Times • Oct. 29, 2021