anti-intellectualism

[ an-tee-in-tl-ek-choo-uh-liz-uhm, an-tahy‑ ]

noun

1. opposition to or hostility toward intellectuals and the modern academic, artistic, social, religious, and other theories associated with them:

   These “denial” movements are manifestations of a growing anti-intellectualism arising against science and scientists.

2. the belief or doctrine that intellect and reason are less important than actions and emotions in solving practical problems and understanding reality:

   Much of the country’s cultural history reflects a swinging back and forth between collective action and a rugged individualism based on anti-intellectualism.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anti-intellectualism¹

anti- ( def ) + intellectualism

Example Sentences

Do they have a point, or are their complaints just anti-intellectualism run amok?

From The Daily Beast

But America's long tradition of anti-intellectualism helped him become a star religious entrepreneur.

From The Daily Beast

In 1962, historian Richard Hofstadter famously dubbed it “anti-intellectualism in American life.”

From The Daily Beast

Yet Goldfarb, largely due to his flame-throwing anti-intellectualism, is anything but boring.

From The Daily Beast

Until this fall, GOP anti-intellectualism not only seemed alive and well.

From The Daily Beast

Here also appears clearly the anti-intellectualism of Crescas and his disagreement with Maimonides and Gersonides.

From Project Gutenberg

Their indeterminism is indeed the necessary and logical accompaniment of their anti-intellectualism.

From Project Gutenberg

No wonder that 'anti-intellectualism' should result from such a conception of knowledge.

From Project Gutenberg

Anti-intellectualism and the State—Syndicalism—Class war, "direct action."

From Project Gutenberg

This political anti-intellectualism shows a definite tendency to belittle the State in comparison with economic or social groups.

From Project Gutenberg