# abolitionist

/ˌæbəˈɫɪʃənəst/ (US) · /ˌæbəlˈɪʃənˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a person who wants to end a bad system or practice. In history, this often meant someone who wanted to stop slavery.

For teachers: a person who advocates for the total and permanent removal of a system, practice, or institution. Historically refers to those who sought the immediate end of slavery.

## Examples

- The abolitionist worked hard to end the practice.
- During the nineteenth century, many abolitionists traveled across the country to speak against the institution of slavery.
- The movement was led by passionate abolitionists who argued that the moral cost of the system outweighed any economic benefits it provided to the state.

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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.