Meaning & use

abolitionist

noun·Academic

A person who campaigns for the ending of a practice, especially slavery.

See it in a sentence

Frederick Douglass was a leading abolitionist who had escaped slavery himself.

The abolitionist movement gained real momentum in Britain during the late eighteenth century.

A note on using this word

Without further context, abolitionist historically refers to opponents of slavery, though it now also describes activists against other practices.

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. adjective

Supporting or relating to the campaign to end slavery or another practice.

She grew up in an abolitionist household that hid runaway slaves.

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