animal-rights
|an-i-mal-rights|
/ˈænɪməl raɪts/
(animal rights)
rights for animals
Etymology
'animal-rights' originates from English, specifically the words 'animal' and 'right', where 'animal' ultimately comes from Latin 'animalis' meaning 'having breath' and 'right' comes from Old English 'riht' meaning 'just' or 'correct'.
'animal' entered English via Old French 'animal' from Latin 'animalis', while 'right' evolved from Old English 'riht' into Middle English 'right'; the compound concept 'animal rights' developed in modern English as ethical and legal discussions about animals grew in the 19th–20th centuries.
Initially, 'right' primarily referred to moral or legal claims among humans; over time the compound 'animal-rights' extended that idea to non-human animals and came to denote both the set of claims and the movement advocating them.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the principle or belief that non-human animals are entitled to certain moral or legal rights; also the social and political movement that advocates those rights, opposing exploitation, cruelty, and some forms of commercial use.
She became involved in animal-rights campaigning after volunteering at a shelter.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/13 07:40