pacifism

[pas-uh-fiz-uh m] /ˈpæs əˌfɪz əm/
noun
1.
opposition to war or violence of any kind.
2.
refusal to engage in military activity because of one's principles or beliefs.
3.
the principle or policy that all differences among nations should be adjusted without recourse to war.
Also, pacificism
[puh-sif-uh-siz-uh m] /pəˈsɪf əˌsɪz əm/ (Show IPA).
Origin
1905-10; < pacifisme. See pacific, -ism
Related forms
antipacifism, noun
propacifism, noun
Examples from the web for pacifism
  • Their pacifism and refusal to serve in war shows a moral fiber that embraces peace.
  • But my brief flirtation with pacifism was not to last.
  • Hedges, however, argues not for pacifism but for realism.
  • Furthermore, our society has the pathological leanings to reward gestures of warfare over gestures of pacifism.
  • He was making an argument-a respectful argument, a civil argument-against the logic of pacifism.
  • Lyrics ranged from rallying cries and praises of bravery to pleas for pacifism and celebrations of peace.
  • The country's tradition of tolerance and professed pacifism has attracted many religious groups.
  • Judd was a beloved pastor, but a controversial one due to his pacifism.
  • Discusses the survivors' disposition toward pacifism after the surrender and the changes in culture and politics.
  • He maintained his pacifism and resistance to capital punishment anywhere in the world.
British Dictionary definitions for pacifism

pacifism

/ˈpæsɪˌfɪzəm/
noun
1.
the belief that violence of any kind is unjustifiable and that one should not participate in war
2.
the belief that international disputes can be settled by arbitration rather than war
Word Origin and History for pacifism
n.

1905, from French pacifisme (by 1903, apparently coined by Émile Arnaud), from pacifique (see pacific).

pacifism in Culture

pacifism definition


The view that war is morally unacceptable and never justified (see conscientious objector). The term is sometimes applied to the belief that international disputes should be settled peacefully.