Environmentalist

/ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛn(t)əlɪst/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who is concerned with or advocates for the protection of the environment.
As an environmentalist, she spends her weekends volunteering for local conservation efforts.
An advocate or activist promoting policies or awareness geared towards environmental preservation.
The environmentalist spoke at the conference about the dangers of climate change.
A member of a movement that seeks to protect the environment from destruction or pollution.
He joined the environmentalist movement to support renewable energy initiatives.

Etymology

Derived from the word 'environment' combined with the suffix '-alist' indicating a person who advocates.

Common Phrases and Expressions

green movement
A social and political movement that seeks to protect the environment.
sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
carbon footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

Related Words

conservation
The act of preserving, guarding, or protecting; wise use.
sustainability
The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
ecology
The branch of biology dealing with the relations and interactions between organisms and their environment.

Slang Meanings

tree-hugger
Some people call her a tree-hugger because she fights for forest preservation.
greenie
He got called a greenie for always promoting eco-friendly practices.