pacifism

noun

pac·​i·​fism ˈpa-sə-ˌfi-zəm How to pronounce pacifism (audio)
1
: opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes
specifically : refusal to bear arms on moral or religious grounds
For Quakers pacifism is a major tenet of belief.
2
: an attitude or policy of nonresistance
efforts toward pacifism and civil rights

Examples of pacifism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 2023 reimagining keeps the bones of the character and story — Vash’s pacifism, embattled relationship with his brother, his giving nature to the belabored citizens of this world. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 31 May 2024 The letter claimed that Biden’s approach to Israel amounted to support of genocide in Gaza and was out of step with the pacifism expressed by Martin Luther King Jr., Morehouse’s most famous graduate. Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2024 The letter claimed that Mr. Biden’s approach to Israel amounted to support of genocide in Gaza and was out of step with the pacifism expressed by Martin Luther King Jr., Morehouse’s most famous graduate. Darlene Supervillem Matt Brown, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 May 2024 The petition called the invitation antithetical to the pacifism Martin Luther King Jr., a Morehouse alumnus, expressed when opposing the Vietnam War. CBS News, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for pacifism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pacifism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French pacifisme, from pacifique pacific

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacifism was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near pacifism

Cite this Entry

“Pacifism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacifism. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

pacifism

noun
pac·​i·​fism ˈpas-ə-ˌfiz-əm How to pronounce pacifism (audio)
: opposition to war or violence as a means of settling disputes
pacifist noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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