Word
survivalism
Phoneticssur·vival·ism
/səɹˈvaɪvəlɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the practice of preparing for a major disaster or the end of society. People who do this often store food, learn how to live in the wild, and build safe places to stay.
n. a movement of individuals or groups who actively prepare for emergencies, including social, political, or environmental catastrophes. Often involves the stockpiling of supplies and the acquisition of self-sufficiency skills.
Examples
“His interest in survivalism led him to build a secret bunker.”
“The rise of survivalism in the region has caused a surge in sales for long-term food storage and water filtration systems.”
“Sociologists argue that modern survivalism is a response to the perceived fragility of global supply chains and a declining trust in institutional stability.”
Examples
simple
“His interest in survivalism led him to build a secret bunker.”
contextual
“The rise of survivalism in the region has caused a surge in sales for long-term food storage and water filtration systems.”
complex
“Sociologists argue that modern survivalism is a response to the perceived fragility of global supply chains and a declining trust in institutional stability.”
Usage
Often used to describe a subculture or a specific set of preparedness behaviors.
Real-World Examples
“THE traditional face of survivalism is that of a shaggy loner in camouflage, holed up in a cabin in the wilderness and surrounded by cases of canned goods and ammunition.” Etymology
From survival + -ism, a 20th-century formation denoting the doctrine or practice of preparing for societal collapse.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
In Music
Cover shown under fair use for identification and commentary.
Survivalism · 2007 · Alternative rock
- Artist:
- Nine Inch Nails
- Album:
- Year Zero
Nine Inch Nails released this industrial rock track in 2007 as part of a concept album about a dystopian future. The title refers to the literal practice of preparing to endure a societal collapse or global catastrophe.
- 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
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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