Meaning & Definition of word "Pacifist"

Pacifist

/ˈpæsɪfɪst/

noun:

  • 1. A person who believes that war and violence are unjustifiable and who advocates for peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
    • Example: As a pacifist, she dedicated her life to promoting non-violent protest and peaceful negotiations.
  • 2. A person who opposes the use of force under any circumstances.
    • Example: His strong pacifist beliefs made it difficult for him to support military intervention.
  • 3. An advocate or supporter of pacifism.
    • Example: The organization was made up of committed pacifists who sought to eliminate all forms of violence.

adjective:

  • 1. Relating to or characterized by pacifism; advocating or promoting peaceful resolution over conflict.
    • Example: The pacifist approach to diplomacy is often more effective in achieving long-term peace.
  • 2. Opposed to war or violence.
    • Example: His pacifist ideals guided his actions during the protest.

Etymology

From the Latin 'pacificus', meaning peaceful, and the suffix '-ist' to denote a person who practices or advocates for that quality.

Common Phrases and Expressions

make peace:

To bring about a resolution to conflict or hostility.

peaceful protest:

Demonstrations conducted without violence.

turn the other cheek:

To respond to aggression by remaining peaceful and not retaliating.

Related Words

nonviolence:

The practice of rejecting violence in the pursuit of social or political change.

peace:

A state of tranquility or quietness; the absence of disturbance.

warrior:

A person engaged or experienced in warfare.

Slang Meanings of pacifist

Meaning: Flower child

Example Sentence: Back in the 60s, many flower children were known for their pacifist beliefs.

Meaning: Tree hugger

Example Sentence: Some people see pacifists as tree huggers, focusing on environmental peace.