Antifascist

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who opposes fascism, advocating for social justice and equality, often promoting progressive political movements
2. An individual or group that actively resists authoritarianism and discrimination, supporting democracy and civil rights
3. Someone committed to countering far-right ideologies, emphasizing solidarity and inclusive governance in society

Etymology: Anti-fascist is a plain compound: the prefix "anti-", from Greek "anti" meaning "against", attached to "fascist". The base word itself comes from the Italian "fascismo", named after the "fasci", bundles of rods carried as a symbol of authority in ancient Rome. The Roman "fasces" gave Mussolini's movement its name, so the word "antifascist" is literally "against the bundle of rods". The opposition was not a single movement, and the word reflects that. It describes people who resisted fascist regimes in many countries, from partisans fighting in occupied Europe to activists and civil rights campaigners who opposed authoritarian politics more broadly. Because the term is defined by what it opposes, it has been applied across a wide political range, and its meaning shifts with the regime it names.

Synonyms: opponent of fascism, anti-fascist