a doctrine, theory, system, etc., esp. one whose name ends in -ism: a somewhat dismissive term
Origin of ism; from -ism
- the act, practice, or result of: terrorism
- the condition or state 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
Origin of -ismMiddle English -isme ; from Old French and amp; Classical Latin -isma (; from Gr) and amp; -ismus (; from Classical Greek -ismos): origin, originally suffix of action or of state, forming nouns from verbs in Classical Latin -izare, Classical Greek -izein
A distinctive doctrine, system, or theory: “Formalism, by being an ‘ism,’ kills form by hugging it to death” (Peter Viereck).
Origin of ismFrom –ism.
- Action; process; practice: terrorism.
- Characteristic behavior or quality: heroism.
- a. State; condition; quality: pauperism.b. State or condition resulting from an excess of something specified: strychninism.
- Distinctive or characteristic trait: Latinism.
- a. Doctrine; theory; system of principles: pacifism.b. An attitude of prejudice against a given group: racism.
Origin of -ismMiddle English -isme, from Old French, from Latin -ismus, from Greek -ismos, n. suff.
- Abbreviation of Imperial Service Medal.
- Abbreviation of Institute for Supply Management.
- (astronomy) Abbreviation of interstellar medium.
InitialismSee also: OISM
- (sciences, medicine) Initialism of Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine.
- (religion) Initialism of Orthodox Inter-Seminary Movement.
ism - Computer Definition
Radio frequency (RF) bands in the 902