Definition of conservatism
2 a
: disposition in politics to preserve what is established
b
: a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change;
specifically
: such a philosophy calling for lower taxes, limited government regulation of business and investing, a strong national defense, and individual financial responsibility for personal needs (such as retirement income or health-care coverage)
3
: the tendency to prefer an existing or traditional situation to change
- religious conservatism
- cultural conservatism
