activist

Etymology

active + -ist

noun

1. One who is politically active in the role of a citizen; especially, one who campaigns for change.
   It has jailed environmental activists and is planning to limit the power of judicial oversight by handing a state-approved body a monopoly over bringing environmental lawsuits. 2013-08-10, “Can China clean up fast enough?”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8848
   The six activists will now face a retrial at Highbury Magistrates' Court, in front of a new judge. January 11 2023, “Network News: Court decision overturned: Six HS2 activists face retrial”, in RAIL, number 974, page 9
2. One who is conspicuously active in carrying out any occupational or professional functions.

adj

1. Behaving as an activist.
   Even in the area of free speech, Justice Harlan sometimes emerged as more activist than his brother September 26, 1971, “They Will Affect The Nation For Years To Come”, in New York Times
   Now GM has what may well be the most activist board ever. December 10, 2009, “Angst Over GM's Activist Board”, in BusinessWeek
   Gov. Chris Christie has long complained that New Jersey's Supreme Court is too liberal and too activist June 1, 2012, “Gov. Christie's court pick blocked”, in Cherry Hill Courier Post (NJ)