Definition of ism
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory
2 : an oppressive and especially discriminatory attitude or belief
we all have got to come to grips with our isms— Joycelyn Elders
-ism
noun suffixDefinition of -ism (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : act : practice : process
criticism plagiarism
b : manner of action or behavior characteristic of a (specified) person or thing
animalism
c : prejudice or discrimination on the basis of a (specified) attribute
racism sexism
2a : state : condition : property
barbarianism
b : abnormal state or condition resulting from excess of a (specified) thing
alcoholism or marked by resemblance to (such) a person or thing
giantism
3a : doctrine : theory : religion
Buddhism
b : adherence to a system or a class of principles
stoicism
4 : characteristic or peculiar feature or trait
colloquialism
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Time Traveler for ism
The first known use of ism was in 1680
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