anti-intellectualism

noun

an·​ti-in·​tel·​lec·​tu·​al·​ism ¦an-tē-ˌin-tə-¦lek-chə-(wə-)-ˌli-zəm 

-ˈlek-shwə-, 

¦an-ˌtī-

plural -s

1

: the philosophic attitude or doctrine that assigns intellect or reason to a subordinate place or denies the power of intellect to grasp the true nature of things compare bergsonism

2

: hostility toward or suspicion of intellectuals : hostility toward inquiring, speculative, or academic habits of thought

reflected trends toward anti-intellectualism by cutting the university's budget

—Richard Schickel

Word History

Etymology

anti- entry 1 + intellectualism

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Rhymes for anti-intellectualism

• authoritarianism
• communitarianism
• egalitarianism
• humanitarianism
• neocolonialism
• totalitarianism
• utilitarianism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism