Activist
/ˈæk.tɪ.vɪst/noun
A person who campaigns vigorously to bring about political or social change.
Did you know?The modern political sense of “activist” emerged in the early 20th century, while its deeper Latin root, agere, also produced words for agents, agendas, and urgent demands.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ag-
“To drive, lead, move, or do”
Classical Latin
Latin
agere
“To drive, lead, conduct, perform, or do”
Classical Latin
Latin
actus
“A doing, an act, or something performed”
Late Latin
Latin
activus
“Active; concerned with action rather than contemplation”
15th Century
English
active
“Engaged in action or energetic”
Early 20th Century
English
activist
“A person who advocates direct or vigorous action, especially in politics or social reform”
Modern English
English
activist
“A campaigner who works actively for political or social change”