Antifa

or an·ti·fa

[ an-tee-fuh, an-ti-fuh, an-tee-fah, ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Antifa¹

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

Example Sentences

Indeed, Hegseth himself refers to the left as “domestic enemies,” writing: “Antifa, BLM, now Hamas supporters and other progressive storm troopers have done their best to create little Samarras,” referring to a city he deployed to in Iraq.

From Salon

“I am glad you pieced these little clues together like an antifa Nancy Drew,” he wrote to Politico contributor Amanda Moore, an extremism researcher.

From Salon

On a discussion about political violence on Jan. 6, Cruz criticized Allred for not "talking about the antifa and Black Lives Matter riots that burned cities across this country."

From Salon

He went on to suggest that antifa might have been registering hundreds of people to vote using a single address.

From Slate

That October, Trump also praised the actions of the federal task force that killed Michael Reinoehl, a Portland antifa activist who had been wanted for fatally shooting Aaron J. Danielson, a supporter of the far-right group Patriot Prayer.

From Salon