Antifa

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ænˈtiːfə/

Definitions

1. A coalition of diverse groups committed to resisting fascism through activism and protest in various forms
2. A collective of activists united in opposition to fascism and extremist right-wing views
3. An alliance of individuals and groups actively challenging authoritarian and ultra-nationalist ideologies

Etymology: "Antifa" is a clipping of "antifascist," formed from the prefix "anti-" attached to "fascist," which derives from the Italian "fascista," from "fascio," a bundle or group, in reference to the Roman "fasces" bundle of rods carried as a symbol of authority. The shortened form is the one most people now meet, and it has taken on a life of its own as a noun naming a loose network of activists rather than a single organization. In its current sense, the term is used for individuals and groups who oppose authoritarian and ultra-nationalist movements, and its prominence in English dates to the late 2010s. A 2019 article in The Nation by Ari M. Brostoff, titled "What Is Anti-Fascism?", describes contemporary antifa work as largely involving exposing white supremacists online and acting to shut down spaces where fascist ideas are spread and legitimized.

Synonyms: anti-fascist