agelicism

noun

agel·​i·​cism
ə-ˈje-lə-ˌsi-zəm
plural -s
: the doctrine that holds that society completely determines the thoughts, feelings, and acts of individuals

Word History

Etymology

Greek agelikós "of the herd" (from agélē "herd" + -ikos -ic entry 1) + -ism

First Known Use

circa 1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of agelicism was circa 1955

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near agelicism

Cite this Entry

“Agelicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agelicism. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!