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opposition to war or violence of any kind.
refusal to engage in military activity because of one’s principles or beliefs.
the principle or policy that all differences among nations should be adjusted without recourse to war.
Historical Examples

pacifism springs from the belief that nations do not matter, that “humanity is the great idea.”
Our Part in the Great War Arthur Gleason

These accursed Venonians are courageous for all their pacifism.
Invaders from the Infinite John Wood Campbell

At present pacifism is no completely integrated philosophy of life.
Introduction to Non-Violence Theodore Paullin

The quality of Wilson’s pacifism was about to be put to the test.
Woodrow Wilson and the World War Charles Seymour

So I was prepared to exonerate them, to praise them for their pacifism and their orderliness in such conditions.
The Pacific Triangle Sydney Greenbie

Am I not logical when I say that pacifism must be considered the first step to internationalism?
The Wasted Generation Owen Johnson

We feel the pacifism of the wise and secretive mind that remains tacit when its most perfect inward certainties are assailed.
Pipefuls Christopher Morley

pacifism is not a disease, it is the symptom of the disease of a false internationalism.
Our Part in the Great War Arthur Gleason

I have a higher opinion of pacifism this minute than I ever had before.
The Island Mystery George A. Birmingham

pacifism had done its best, but the World was armed to the hilt.
Futuria Fantasia, Summer 1939 Ray Bradbury

noun
the belief that violence of any kind is unjustifiable and that one should not participate in war
the belief that international disputes can be settled by arbitration rather than war
n.

1905, from French pacifisme (by 1903, apparently coined by Émile Arnaud), from pacifique (see pacific).

The view that war is morally unacceptable and never justified (see conscientious objector). The term is sometimes applied to the belief that international disputes should be settled peacefully.