# abolitionism

/ˌæbəˈɫɪʃəˌnɪzəm/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abolitionism
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the belief that a specific practice or system should be completely stopped and destroyed. It is most often used to describe the movement to end slavery.

For teachers: the advocacy of the total elimination of a specific practice, institution, or system. Historically associated with the movement to end slavery.

## Examples

- The abolitionism of slavery changed history forever.
- The movement for the abolitionism of the death penalty gained significant traction during the late twentieth century.
- Scholars of social history often examine the abolitionism of the transatlantic slave trade to understand how moral philosophy and economic shifts can converge to dismantle entrenched institutions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.