-ism
-ism definition
-ism (iz′əm)
- the act, practice, or result of terrorism
- the condition of being pauperism
- action, conduct, or qualities characteristic of patriotism
- the doctrine, school, theory, or principle of cubism, socialism
- devotion to nationalism
- an instance, example, or peculiarity of Gallicism, witticism
- an abnormal condition caused by alcoholism
- belief, attitudes, actions, or conduct characterized by prejudice or bigotry related to ageism, classism, sexism
Etymology: ME -isme < OFr & L -isma (< Gr) & -ismus (< Gr -ismos): orig. suffix of action or of state, forming nouns from verbs in L -izare, Gr -izein
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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