noun
pacifism
PAS-ih-fiz-um/ˈpæsɪfɪzəm/
The belief that conflicts should be settled without war or violence.
Her pacifism leads her to oppose war and seek peaceful solutions.
Etymology
The peaceful quality expressed by pacifique becomes a doctrine or policy through the suffix. Pacifism thus means rejecting war and violence as ways to settle disputes, rather than simply having a calm temperament.
In context
partly genuine pacifism, that is, opposition to war in any circumstances
More examples
- His commitment to pacifism prevents him from joining the army.
- The debate centers on whether pacifism can stop an armed aggressor.
- She sees pacifism as a guiding principle for resolving everyday conflicts.
Forms
pacifist noun — A person who opposes war and violence.
Similar words
- nonviolence
- Emphasizes avoiding physical force, including in protests and resistance.
- antimilitarism
- Opposes military power and institutions, not necessarily all violence.