Definition

1. Noun:
   • The belief that war and violence are morally wrong and should be avoided: Pacifism is the ethical principle or personal commitment to oppose war and physical violence as a means of settling disputes.
   • The advocacy of peaceful methods: It involves actively promoting non-violent resistance, diplomacy, and negotiation to resolve conflicts.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • His pacifism led him to become a conscientious objector during the war.
  • The activist's pacifism was rooted in deep religious convictions.
  • Gandhi's philosophy of pacifism inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Advanced Usage

• "Moral pacifism": A form of pacifism based on absolute moral principles that reject all violence.
  • Her moral pacifism prevented her from supporting any military action, regardless of the circumstances.
• "Strategic pacifism": The pragmatic belief that non-violent methods are more effective than violence in achieving long-term political goals.
  • The leader advocated for strategic pacifism, arguing that non-violent protest would garner greater international support.

Variants and Related Words

• Pacifist (noun): A person who believes in and practices pacifism.
  • She was a lifelong pacifist who participated in many peace rallies.
• Pacifist (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of pacifism.
  • He took a pacifist stance on the issue.
• Pacifistic (adjective): Another term meaning having or showing a belief in pacifism.
  • The group's pacifistic approach was met with both admiration and skepticism.

Synonyms

• Non-violence: The use of peaceful means, not force, to bring about political or social change.
• Peace advocacy: The active support for the cause of peace.

Related Phrases

• "Commitment to pacifism": A dedicated adherence to pacifist principles.
  • His commitment to pacifism was tested during the national crisis.
• "Philosophy of pacifism": The system of ideas underlying the belief in non-violence.
  • The seminar explored the philosophy of pacifism in the 20th century.

Related Idioms

• "To turn the other cheek": To respond to injury or insult without retaliation or vengeance, a principle often associated with pacifism.
  • Inspired by his pacifism, he chose to turn the other cheek rather than seek revenge.

Noun

1. the belief that all international disputes can be settled by arbitration
2. the doctrine that all violence is unjustifiable