Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Suffragette Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

♀️
Add to dictionary

suffragette

[ˌsʌfrəˈdʒɛt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

historical context

The term 'suffragette' refers to women who actively worked to obtain the right to vote in the early 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. They are renowned for their militant tactics in promoting women's suffrage, including protests, demonstrations, and hunger strikes. The suffragettes faced significant opposition and many were imprisoned for their actions. Their efforts played a crucial role in the eventual granting of voting rights to women. The suffragette movement is part of a broader wave of activism that has sought to improve women's rights and gender equality.

Synonyms

activist, campaigner, feminist.

Examples of usage

  • The suffragette movement galvanized women across the nation.
  • Many suffragettes were arrested during protests demanding the right to vote.
  • Emmeline Pankhurst was a leading suffragette in the early 1900s.
  • Suffragettes used hunger strikes as a form of protest.
  • The influence of suffragettes can still be seen in modern feminism.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'suffragette' was first used in Britain around 1906 to describe women who campaigned for voting rights.
  • Suffragettes often faced harsh treatment, including imprisonment and force-feeding during hunger strikes, highlighting their resilience.
  • The movement gained momentum in the United States, where it was closely tied to the abolition of slavery and women's rights.

Pop Culture

  • In popular media, the fight for women's rights has been depicted in films like 'Suffragette' (2015), showcasing the struggles of activists.
  • Many modern female influencers and athletes reference suffragettes in their work, drawing a parallel between past and present battles for equality.

Literature

  • Notable works, such as Emmeline Pankhurst's autobiography, offer personal insights into the thoughts of prominent suffragettes.
  • Poetry and novels from the suffragette era often focused on themes of freedom, justice, and the quest for equality.

Psychology

  • The suffragette movement significantly contributed to changes in gender roles, profoundly impacting society's views on women’s capabilities.
  • Studies show that the intense activism of suffragettes helped pave the way for modern feminist movements, linking historical activism to current social psychology.

Origin of 'suffragette'

The word 'suffragette' originated from the term 'suffrage,' which means the right to vote. 'Suffragette' was used pejoratively by opponents of women's voting rights to describe women in the suffrage movement who employed militant tactics. The term was first coined in 1906 by the Daily Mail newspaper in the UK, and although it was initially intended as an insult, women embraced the label. The suffragette movement gained momentum in the early 20th century when women began organizing for their voting rights. Activists like Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters led the Women's Social and Political Union, which adopted more radical strategies to draw attention to their cause. The resilience and dedication of suffragettes ultimately contributed to the passing of laws granting women the right to vote, including the Representation of the People Act 1918 in the UK and the 19th Amendment in the United States in 1920. Their legacy continues to inspire contemporary movements for gender equality.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,726 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.