An abolitionist is best described as a person who:

An abolitionist is someone who advocates for the end of slavery. The term specifically relates to individuals or groups who worked towards the emancipation of enslaved people, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. This was a significant social and moral stance during a time when slavery was a widely accepted practice in many parts of the world.

The focus of abolitionists was on the human rights and dignity of enslaved individuals, making the advocacy to abolish slavery a fundamental aspect of their beliefs and activism. Their work was not just about the economy or politics, but primarily about achieving justice and equality for enslaved people, which is why this description fits precisely.

The other choices provided do not align with the fundamental beliefs or actions associated with abolitionists. For instance, wanting to preserve traditional customs would be contrary to the ideas of abolishing slavery, which seeks to dismantle longstanding and deeply rooted social practices. Promoting the economy or working to enhance political rights, while potentially relevant to some social reform movements, does not capture the essence of the abolitionist movement, which is specifically focused on ending slavery.