What does "activist" mean?

1. (political/social campaigner) someone who takes action to help make a change in society or politics. 2. (taking direct action) describing a person or group that takes strong action to reach a goal. 3. (active professional) someone who is very active and energetic in their job or profession.

activist

n. · adj.

US //ˈæktəvəst// UK //ˈæktɪvˌɪst// ac·tivist

1 political/social campaigner (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

someone who takes action to help make a change in society or politics.

an individual who campaigns to bring about political or social change, often through public protest or organized advocacy.

Example

The environmental activist organized a protest to protect the local forest from builders.

Example

Human rights activists have spent decades lobbying the government to reform the legal system and ensure fair treatment for all citizens.
2 taking direct action (adj.)
C1 Advanced Academic

describing a person or group that takes strong action to reach a goal.

characterised by or involving direct action or vigorous campaigning for a cause.

Example

The group took an activist approach to solving the city's housing problem.

Example

The court's activist stance on environmental protection has led to several landmark rulings that challenge existing industrial regulations.
- engaged
- militant
- passive
- apathetic

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3 active professional (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal

someone who is very active and energetic in their job or profession.

a person who is conspicuously active or energetic in the performance of their professional or occupational duties.

Example

As a judicial activist, the judge worked tirelessly to update old legal rules.

Example

The new CEO was a corporate activist who immediately began restructuring the company's underperforming departments.
- go getter
- dynamo

Origin

From active + -ist.