peacenik

[ pees-nik ]

noun

, Slang: Often Disparaging.

1. an activist or demonstrator who opposes war and military intervention; pacifist.

Word History and Origins

Origin of peacenik¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; peace + -nik

Example Sentences

The statement described Kristofferson as "a peacenik, a revolutionary, an actor, a superstar, a sex symbol, and a family man."

From BBC

They may be peaceniks but they are champing at the bit for a war of their own and it looks like Mexico will be their enemy of choice.

From Salon

Sounding like a once-hated peacenik, she writes, "They dehumanize and demonize any opposition and cannot display a modicum of empathy."

From Salon

But he also said “naïve” and peacenik speeches about everyone living together happily ever after weren’t helpful either.

From Seattle Times

“The peaceniks of the Social Democratic Party did not win the day alone,” he said.

From New York Times

Related Words

• peacemaker