noun

abolitionist

ab-uh-LISH-uh-nist

Abolitionist (noun) means a person who campaigns to abolish something, historically and most often the slave trade and slavery. Example: “Frederick Douglass was the most famous abolitionist of his generation.”

noun

A person who campaigns to abolish something, historically and most often the slave trade and slavery.

"Frederick Douglass was the most famous abolitionist of his generation."

adjective

Relating to the movement to abolish something, especially slavery or, in modern use, prisons or the death penalty.

"The abolitionist press printed thousands of pamphlets."

How to Use Abolitionist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone campaigning to abolish something, especially slavery.

Common pairings

the abolitionist movement prison abolitionist

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Frederick Douglass was the most famous _____ of his generation.

Etymology

From "abolition," from Latin "abolere" (to destroy or do away with), plus "-ist".

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for abolitionist

Zionist arsonist antagonist cartoonist protagonist illusionist tobacconist receptionist nutritionist exhibitionist perfectionist impressionist

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an abolitionist?

Someone campaigning to end a practice or institution. Historically it refers to campaigners against the slave trade and slavery; today it is also used of movements to abolish prisons, the police or capital punishment.

What did abolitionists believe?

That slavery was a moral wrong that had to be ended outright rather than reformed or phased out gradually — a position that divided them from those who favoured gradual emancipation.