Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

abolitionist

noun

/ˌæb əˈlɪʃ ə nɪst/

Definition

Abolitionist refers to a person who advocates for the abolition of a practice or institution, particularly slavery.

Examples

Frederick Douglass was a prominent abolitionist who played a crucial role in the fight against slavery.
The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the 1800s, leading to the eventual emancipation of enslaved people.
Many abolitionists risked their lives to help enslaved individuals escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

Meaning

The term is most commonly associated with those who fought against slavery and worked towards its end, especially in the United States during the 19th century.