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campaign

kam-PAYN /kæmˈpeɪn/

nounverbB2GRESATIELTS

GeneralPoliticalMarketing

An organized, strategic series of activities intended to achieve a specific goal, particularly in politics, social advocacy, or military operations.

Implies a sustained, structured effort over time rather than a single isolated event.

The story behind the word. Originally a military term from Latin campus. It described the season during which medieval armies left winter barracks to conduct maneuvers on open fields. By the 18th century, English political commentators adopted the metaphor for organized electoral battles.

Word relationships

drive: A drive is often short-term and resource-focused (e.g., blood drive), whereas a campaign is broader and more strategic.

inaction: Inaction represents total passivity, whereas a campaign is a sustained and organized effort.

Commonly confused with

protest: A protest is an immediate, visible demonstration of disapproval, while a campaign is an overarching, organized strategy.

Word family

campaigner (noun): A person who takes part in an organized campaign for political or social change

Collocations

launch a campaign
grassroots campaign
political campaign
advocacy campaign

Idioms & expressions

campaign trail

Example sentences

"The organization launched an intensive education campaign to raise awareness about groundwater contamination." Nonprofit strategic planning brief
"Suffragettes spent decades organizing a national campaign to secure women's voting rights." Political history narrative

Memory hook

Armies and activists take to the open FIELD (campus) during a CAMPAIGN. Strategic battle on open ground.

When not to use

Avoid using for spontaneous, one-off actions or unplanned activities.

Fun facts

The political phrase 'on the campaign trail' originates from early American political candidates literally riding trails through forest clearings to speak at rural gatherings.