Definition

Proper noun * Emma Goldman: A United States anarchist and political activist, born in Russia. She was known for her opposition to conscription (mandatory military service) and was deported from the United States to the Soviet Union in 1919. Her life spanned from 1869 to 1940.

Usage Notes

• "Goldman" in this specific, historical sense almost exclusively refers to the person Emma Goldman. It is used as a proper noun to identify this individual.
• When used alone, "Goldman" typically requires the context of anarchism, early 20th-century political activism, or American history to be understood in this way. Without context, it is more likely to be interpreted as a common surname.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The writings of Goldman heavily influenced the anarchist movement in America.
  • The government's deportation of Goldman was a controversial event in 1919.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metonymically to represent a set of radical political ideas, particularly anarcho-feminism and anti-militarism.
  • His speech echoed the spirit of Goldman in its critique of state power.

Variants and Related Words

• Goldmanesque (adj): Characteristic of or resembling the ideas or style of Emma Goldman.
  • Her Goldmanesque rhetoric challenged the audience's views on authority.

Synonyms

• Emma Goldman (full name)
• The anarchist Goldman (descriptive synonym for clarity)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• In the tradition of Goldman: Following or inspired by the political philosophy of Emma Goldman.
  • Their community organizing was very much in the tradition of Goldman.

Noun

1. United States anarchist (born in Russia) who opposed conscription; was deported to the Soviet Union in 1919 (1869-1940)