peaceniks
|peace-nik|
/ˈpiːs.nɪk/
(peacenik)
peace activist / person for peace
Etymology
'peacenik' originates from English, specifically formed from the word 'peace' plus the Slavic/Yiddish-derived suffix '-nik' (from Russian 'ник'), where the suffix '-nik' meant 'person associated with' or 'agent'.
'-nik' entered English usage and gained popularity after 'Sputnik' (1957); 'peacenik' was coined in the 1960s in the United States during the anti-war and peace movements and became a common informal term.
Initially it simply named someone associated with peace activism, but over time it has often taken a disparaging or dismissive sense implying naivety or extreme idealism.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who strongly opposes war or violence and who supports or takes part in peace movements; often used informally and sometimes disparagingly to suggest excessive idealism or naivety.
The peaceniks organized a protest outside the embassy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/10 16:37