what does antifa stand for

The term "antifa" stands for "anti-fascist." It is a shortened form derived from the German word "antifaschistisch," meaning anti-fascist. Antifa refers to a decentralized political movement of left-wing activists who oppose fascism, racism, and far-right extremism. The movement is not a single organization but a collective of autonomous groups and individuals who use a variety of tactics, including protests, direct action, and sometimes violence, to combat what they see as fascist or racist threats. Supporters often hold anti-authoritarian, anti-capitalist, and anti-state views, with many identifying as anarchists, communists, or socialists. The name and symbol of antifa in the U.S. are inspired by earlier German anti-fascist movements from the early 20th century.