anti-racist
|an-ti-reɪ-sɪst|
/ˌæntiˈreɪsɪst/
against racism
Etymology
'anti-racist' originates from English, formed by combining the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti') meaning 'against' with 'racist' (from 'race' + '-ist'); 'race' itself comes via French 'race' (from Italian 'razza') meaning 'lineage' or 'stock', and '-ist' denotes an agent.
'anti-racist' developed in the late 20th century by attaching 'anti-' to the earlier 20th-century word 'racist' (which was formed from 'race' + '-ist'); the compound became common in civil-rights and academic discourse to name people, policies, and ideas opposing racism.
Initially it could simply mean 'against racists' or 'opposed to racism'; over time it broadened to describe not only personal opposition but also active support for policies, practices, and systems that counter systemic racism and promote racial equity.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who opposes racism and supports actions, policies, or ideas that combat racial discrimination and promote racial equality.
She is a committed anti-racist who volunteers with local equality groups.
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Adjective 1
opposed to racism; promoting racial equality or practices that counteract racial injustice.
The organization published an anti-racist policy to guide hiring and training.
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Last updated: 2025/10/17 03:23