1. People who believe that animals have rights and should be treated ethically and humanely.
Usage: Plural form; often used in discussions of animal welfare and rights advocacy.
2. Philosophers or theorists who hold the view that animals possess consciousness, agency, or moral status comparable to humans.
Usage: Academic or philosophical context; less common in everyday usage.

Examples

• The animalists at the conference discussed new strategies for protecting endangered species.
• Many animalists argue that factory farming practices are unethical.
• Animalists believe that animals deserve legal protections similar to those granted to humans.
• The organization was founded by passionate animalists committed to ending animal cruelty.
• Some animalists advocate for veganism as a way to reduce animal suffering.
• Philosophers and animalists have long debated the moral status of non-human creatures.