SINCE 1828
know-nothingism
noun
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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