Definition of conservatism
2a
: 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for conservatism
The first known use of conservatism was in 1815
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