What does pacifism mean?
Pacifism is the principle that war and violence should be avoided, especially as a deliberate moral or political position. A pacifist may oppose armed conflict, military intervention, or the use of force, while often supporting negotiation, disarmament, civil rights, and nonviolent forms of resistance. The word can refer to an individual belief, a philosophical doctrine, or a wider social and political movement. Pacifism is distinct from neutrality: neutrality means not taking sides in a dispute, whereas pacifism more directly expresses opposition to violence and warfare. It is also distinct from passivism, which usually describes tolerating a situation without attempting to change it. Although pacifist movements have existed in many societies, the modern use of the term became especially prominent in the 19th century, when conscientious objection and organized resistance to war gained greater public attention.
nounPacifism is the belief that violence and war are wrong and should be avoided, often advocating negotiation, disarmament, or peaceful resolution of disputes. The term can also refer more broadly to a policy or practice of maintaining peace.
- The belief that war and violence are wrong and should be avoided.
- A policy or practice of avoiding military conflict and favoring peaceful negotiation.
"Her pacifism shaped her opposition to military intervention and her support for international diplomacy."
"The organization has long advocated pacifism and nonviolent resistance."
"His pacifism led him to question the decision to enter the conflict."
The plural is grammatically possible but is uncommon because pacifism is usually discussed as a general principle or movement.
"The authors compared different forms of pacifism within the wider peace movement."
Pacifism takes its name from the Latin word for peace: a philosophy that treats the absence of war as a moral commitment, not merely a temporary truce.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pacifism come from?
Pacifism entered English in the 19th century, borrowing the French word pacifisme. That form was derived from Latin pacificus, meaning “peace-making” or “peaceful,” ultimately from pax, “peace,” and pacare, “to make peace.” The same Latin source produced related English words such as pacify, pacific, and pacifist.
Related word forms
How pacifism is actually used
Pacifism is generally used in political, philosophical, and ethical contexts. It is not simply a synonym for personal calmness or dislike of conflict, and it can describe either a personal conviction or a broader political movement.
Easily confused with pacifism
Pacifism is a principled opposition to violence and war, whereas passivism usually means accepting or favoring conditions without resisting change.
Pacifism is a belief or ethical stance against violence, while neutrality is a political stance of taking no side in a conflict.