What does "abolitionism" mean?
Support for the abolition of something; the tenets of abolitionists.
Abolitionism
/ˌæb.əˈlɪʃ.əˌnɪz.m̩/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Support for the abolition of something; the tenets of abolitionists.
- Grammar: abolitionism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abolishing, abolition, antislavery.
- Usage evidence: Abolitionism was an effort to end slavery and the slave trade.
How to use "abolitionism"
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Meaning check
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Source and review context
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Before you rely on this definition
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Definition decision workflow
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 Support for the abolition of something; the tenets of abolitionists. countable, uncountable
"Abolitionism is based on the moral conviction that social life should not and, in fact, cannot be regulated effectively by criminal law …. As a social movement committed to the abolition of the prison or even the entire penal system, abolitionism originated in campaigns for prisoners' rights and penal reform."
- 2 the doctrine that calls for the abolition of slavery wordnet
- 3 Support for the abolition of something; the tenets of abolitionists.; Support for the abolition of prisons. countable, uncountable
"ABOLITIONISM Prisons and jails have been condemned, at least by some, for as long as they have existed.[…] In the United States, the most profound statement of support for abolitionism is the document Instead of Prisons […] Abolitionism has also given emphasis to didferent strategies for change, ranging from simply abolishing prisons to abolishing the entire criminal justice apparatus, […]"
- 4 Support for the abolition of something; the tenets of abolitionists.; Support for the abolition (banning) of sex work. countable, uncountable
"Abolitionism is a term that refers to a particular ideological and legal approach to prostitution. The approach has its roots in 19th-century feminism and is still a potent force […] Thus abolitionism arose as a movement against the state regulation of prostitution. The leader of the abolitionist movement was Josephine Butler, […]"
- 5 Support for the abolition of something; the tenets of abolitionists.; Support for the abolition (banning) of abortion. countable, uncountable
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Support for the abolition of slavery. US, countable, historical, uncountable
Example
"Abolitionism was an effort to end slavery and the slave trade."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "abolitionism"?
Common synonyms include: abolishing, abolition, antislavery.
How do you use "abolitionism" in a sentence?
Abolitionism was an effort to end slavery and the slave trade.
How do you pronounce "abolitionism"?
Pronounced /ˌæb.əˈlɪʃ.əˌnɪz.m̩/.
Etymology
From abolition + -ism.