Word
pacifism
Phoneticspaci·fism
US/ˈpæsɪˌfɪzəm/
UK/pˈæsɪfˌɪzəm/
Españolpacifismo
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the belief that war and violence are always wrong, and that people should solve problems without fighting.
n. opposition to war and violence on principle, holding that conflicts should be settled by peaceful means rather than armed force.
Examples
“She believes in pacifism and opposes all wars.”
“After serving as a medic in the war, he embraced pacifism and joined peace campaigns.”
“Her commitment to pacifism influenced her career in diplomacy, where she consistently pushed for negotiation over military intervention.”
Examples
simple
“She believes in pacifism and opposes all wars.”
contextual
“After serving as a medic in the war, he embraced pacifism and joined peace campaigns.”
complex
“Her commitment to pacifism influenced her career in diplomacy, where she consistently pushed for negotiation over military intervention.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pacifism” in context.
Verb
01. abandon pacifism
“Under threat of invasion, the government abandoned pacifism.”
verb + noun
02. adhere to pacifism
“He still adheres to pacifism despite growing political pressure.”
verb + prep + noun
03. advocate pacifism
“The philosopher continued to advocate pacifism throughout the conflict.”
verb + noun
04. embrace pacifism
“After witnessing the war, many veterans embraced pacifism.”
verb + noun
05. pacifism prevails
“In her novel, pacifism prevails over militarism in the end.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. absolute pacifism
“He rejected all wars, arguing for absolute pacifism even in self-defence.”
adj + noun
07. christian pacifism
“The Quakers are known for their tradition of Christian pacifism.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. doctrine of pacifism
“Gandhi developed a powerful doctrine of pacifism and nonviolence.”
noun + prep + noun
09. form of pacifism
“Quakerism represents a religious form of pacifism.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a commitment to pacifism
“His experiences in the trenches strengthened a commitment to pacifism.”
11. abandon pacifism in wartime
“Many states abandon pacifism in wartime for reasons of security.”
12. advocate absolute pacifism
“Some delegates advocate absolute pacifism without exception.”
Etymology
From French pacifisme, from pacifique; pacific + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/pacifism
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0