syndicalist
|syn-di-cal-ist|
/ˈsɪndɪkəlɪst/
radical trade-union activist
Etymology
'syndicalist' originates from French, specifically the word 'syndicaliste', where 'syndical-' related to 'syndicat' meant 'trade union'.
'syndicalist' changed from French 'syndicaliste' and was adopted into English in the late 19th to early 20th century alongside the international syndicalist movement; the term derives ultimately from Latin/Greek roots via French.
Initially, it meant 'a supporter or member of the trade-union-based syndicalist movement' and over time has retained that core sense, though it can now be used more broadly for radical or militant union activists.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a supporter or advocate of syndicalism — the political movement that promotes direct action by workers and trade unions (including strikes and industrial action) to gain control of industry and the economy.
The syndicalist argued that workers should organize independent unions and use direct action to win control of the factory.
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Noun 2
a member of or person belonging to a syndicalist organization or movement (often involved in radical or revolutionary labor politics).
During the early 20th century, many syndicalists played key roles in large-scale strikes and industrial campaigns.
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Last updated: 2025/08/20 21:49