DictionarymovementOrganized campaign
noun

movement

A collective effort to bring about change.

The movement brings neighbors together to fight for cleaner air.

Etymology

The action noun applies movement to collective social activity. A movement is a body of people trying to carry society from its present condition toward a desired change.

More examples

  • Students start a movement to make college more affordable.
  • The civil rights movement challenges laws that treat people unequally.
  • Artistic movements often challenge accepted ideas about beauty.

Forms

movement · movements

Similar words

campaign
Usually targets a specific result rather than broader social change.
crusade
Emphasizes an intense campaign driven by strong moral beliefs.