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(especially prior to the Civil War) a person who advocated or supported the of slavery in the U.S.
a person who favors the of any law or practice deemed harmful to society:
the abolitionists who are opposed to capital punishment.
Contemporary Examples

As Brookhiser fully appreciates—he does not equivocate or run from the truth—Lincoln was no radical, no abolitionist.
Lincoln Was the Founders’ Heir Apparent Harvey J. Kaye October 21, 2014

Until the 1830s, free blacks were barred from most abolitionist societies.
How Blacks Freed Themselves from Slavery Eric Herschthal February 17, 2014

Free black Americans, he insists, played the crucial role of bringing British abolitionist pressure to bear on America.
How Blacks Freed Themselves from Slavery Eric Herschthal February 17, 2014

The possibility of error became the central argument in the abolitionist brief.
Conn. Ends Death Penalty, But Not For 11 Men On Death Row David R. Dow April 6, 2012

How common was it for Quakers from England to face the abolitionist dilemma during the period before the Civil War?
Tracy Chevalier’s Novel on Ohio’s Underground Railroad Jane Ciabattari January 16, 2013

Historical Examples

He fancied he was one of the abolitionist group that had followed Anthony Burns to the last.
Pirate Gold Frederic Jesup Stimson

Because of her reputation as an abolitionist, she had much resistance to overcome in the South.
Susan B. Anthony Alma Lutz

“My father was not an abolitionist, sir,” said Stephen, smiling.
The Crisis, Complete Winston Churchill

The abolitionist papers were at first sent all over the South.
The Negro and the Nation George S. Merriam

The abolitionist with relentless gospel even of war on the Constitution was altogether too radical for the general mind.
Lincoln, the Politician T. Aaron Levy

n.

1795, from abolition + -ist. In Britain, applied 20c. to advocates of ending capital punishment.