Antiracism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The belief or practice of actively opposing and combating racism and discrimination based on race
2. A stance or movement that seeks to identify, challenge, and eradicate racial prejudice and inequality
3. The principle or effort focused on preventing and reducing racial bias and promoting racial justice and equality

Etymology: The prefix "anti-" comes from Ancient Greek "ἀντί" (anti), meaning "against" or "opposite to," and it has been attached to English words for centuries to mark opposition. "Racism" is the younger half of the pairing: the word appeared in English in the 1900s, well after the older prefix had become a productive tool for coining terms like "anti-fascist" and "anti-slavery." "Antiracism" simply joins the two, so it means opposition to racism, and it names a stance rather than a single act. The word is formed in English from these parts, and its history is recent. Its early uses come from the mid-twentieth century, when campaigners against racial discrimination needed a term that named their position directly, rather than defining themselves only by the abuse they confronted.

Synonyms: anti-racism, racial equality, multiculturalism, tolerance, inclusivity

Antonyms: racism, discrimination, bigotry, prejudice, segregation