know-noth·ing·ism
| \ ˈnō-ˌnə-thiŋ-ˌi-zəm
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Definition of know-nothingism
1
capitalized K&N
: the principles and policies of the Know-Nothings
2
: the condition of knowing nothing or desiring to know nothing or the conviction that nothing can be known with certainty especially in religion or morality
3
often capitalized K&N
: a mid-20th century political attitude characterized by anti-intellectualism, exaggerated patriotism, and fear of foreign subversive influences
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“Know-nothingism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know-nothingism. Accessed 7 Mar. 2021.
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The first known use of know-nothingism was in 1854
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