What does "pacifism" mean?
The support of peace, specifically:; The conviction that it is morally wrong to settle disputes (especially between countries) by war or other violent means.
Pacifism
/ˈpæsɪfɪzəm/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The support of peace, specifically:; The conviction that it is morally wrong to settle disputes (especially between countries) by war or other violent means.
- Grammar: pacifism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: a wise passiveness, abnegation, abstinence, antiwar movement.
- Useful contrasts: irridenta, paramilitary, aggression.
- Usage evidence: This is the day on which the Constitution's fundamental spirit, the sovereignty of the people, respect for fundamental human rights, and pacifism, are all reaffirmed.
How to use "pacifism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pacifism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "pacifism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "pacifism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The support of peace, specifically:; The conviction that it is morally wrong to settle disputes (especially between countries) by war or other violent means. countable, uncountable
"I am not only a pacifist but a militant pacifist. I am willing to fight for peace. Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war."
- 2 the belief that all international disputes can be settled by arbitration wordnet
- 3 The support of peace, specifically:; The ethical avoidance of inflicting harm on others in one's daily life. countable, uncountable
"Pacifism forbids us from killing would-be murderers in self-defense, but terrorism permits us to slit the throat of a 17-year-old working a night shift at the zoo.[…]Pacifism also has the modal implication that no possible wrongful aggressor can be permissibly harmed, even in possible worlds where doing so is the only feasible means of saving oneself or others."
- 4 the doctrine that all violence is unjustifiable wordnet
- 5 The support of peace, specifically:; The combination of the above two philosophical viewpoints. countable, uncountable
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The additional challenge of winning a game without harming any enemy characters. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"This is the day on which the Constitution's fundamental spirit, the sovereignty of the people, respect for fundamental human rights, and pacifism, are all reaffirmed."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pacifism"?
Common synonyms include: a wise passiveness, abnegation, abstinence, antiwar movement, antiwarism, calm.
How do you use "pacifism" in a sentence?
This is the day on which the Constitution's fundamental spirit, the sovereignty of the people, respect for fundamental human rights, and pacifism, are all reaffirmed.
How do you pronounce "pacifism"?
Pronounced /ˈpæsɪfɪzəm/.
Etymology
From French pacifisme, from pacifique; pacific + -ism.