A nineteenth century term once used to describe nonviolent struggle. The term is now in disfavor and rejected because "passive" is plainly inaccurate to describe recent cases of nonviolent noncooperation and defiance.

Quiet but firm refusal to comply with unjust laws; passive resistance involves putting one's body on the line, risking arrest and attempting to win over one's foes with morally persuasive arguments.

Challenging an injustice by refusing to support or cooperate with an unjust law, action or policy. The term “passive” is misleading because passive resistance includes pro-active nonviolence, such as marches, boycotts and other forms of active protest.