Definition

Noun: A political movement is an organized collective effort by a group of people who share a common ideology or objective and work together to influence or change political systems, policies, or society.

Usage

A "political movement" refers to the collective action and organization itself, not just the members. It is used to describe organized efforts for political change, which can range from local initiatives to national or international campaigns.

Examples

• The environmental political movement gained significant momentum in the early 21st century.
• She dedicated her life to the civil rights political movement.
• A new political movement emerged, advocating for electoral reform.

Advanced Usage

• "to build/join a political movement": This describes the process of forming or becoming part of such an organized effort.
  • Their goal was to build a political movement around the issue of income inequality.
• "the rise/decline of a political movement": This phrase is used to describe the growth or weakening of a movement's influence and support.
  • The documentary charted the rise of the political movement from its grassroots origins.

Variants and Related Words

• Movement (n): Often used as a shorter form, especially when the political context is clear. (e.g., ).
• Political party (n): A specific, typically more formal and institutionalized type of political organization that seeks to elect candidates to office. A political movement may evolve into a party or work outside the party system.
• Campaign (n): A coordinated series of activities for a specific, often shorter-term, political goal. A campaign can be a project of a political movement.
• Coalition (n): A temporary alliance of distinct groups, such as political movements, for a common action.

Synonyms

• Crusade: Suggests a vigorous, passionate movement for a cause, often with moral or ideological fervor.
• Drive: Emphasizes a vigorous, organized effort to achieve a specific objective.
• Initiative: Can refer to a specific, organized effort to address a particular issue.

Related Phrases

• Grassroots movement: A political movement that originates and is driven by the concerns of ordinary people at a local level, rather than by political elites.
  • The policy change was a direct result of pressure from a grassroots movement.
• Social movement: A broader term for a type of group action focused on carrying out, resisting, or undoing social change. Political movements are often a subset of social movements with specific policy or governmental aims.

Noun

1. a group of people working together to achieve a political goal