sexism

[ sek-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. attitudes or behavior based on traditional stereotypes of gender roles: Her husband saw their home life through a lens of sexism, and never once offered to help with the housework or the kids.

   the underlying sexism in the marketing of dolls to girls and trucks to boys;

   Her husband saw their home life through a lens of sexism, and never once offered to help with the housework or the kids.

2. discrimination or devaluation based on a person's sex or gender, as in restricted job opportunities, especially such discrimination directed against women:

   The investigation found that women face a culture of hostility and sexism.

3. ingrained and institutionalized prejudice against women:

   The idea that women are inferior to men is sexism at its purest.

4. hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women; misogyny.

sexism

/ ˈsɛksɪzəm /

noun

1. discrimination on the basis of sex, esp the oppression of women by men

sexism

¹

1. The belief that one sex (usually the male) is naturally superior to the other and should dominate most important areas of political, economic, and social life. Sexist discrimination in the United States in the past has denied opportunities to women in many spheres of activity. Many allege that it still does. ( See also affirmative action , Equal Employment Opportunity Commission , glass ceiling , and National Organization for Women .)

sexism

²

1. The belief that one sex (usually the male) is naturally superior to the other and should dominate most important areas of political, economic, and social life.

Derived Forms

• ˈsexist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• anti·sexism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexism¹

First recorded in 1965–70; sex ¹( def ) + -ism, on the model of racism

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexism¹

C20: from sex + -ism , on the model of racism

Example Sentences

The world is not perfect, there are issues from racism to sexism and global inequality.

From Fortune

The sexism inherent in how these cases are pursued by law enforcement comes through loud and clear.

From Vox

Policies must be updated to reflect their lives and to address systemic racism and sexism.

From Fortune

This question is thorny because in answering it one almost necessarily informs issues related to sexism, discrimination, and inequity.

From Nautilus

Some biases, such as racism and sexism, can even impact someone’s physical health and increase signs of depression.

From Science News For Students

Its biggest asset, of course, is the steely Atwell, who never asks you to feel sorry for Carter despite all the sexism around her.

From The Daily Beast

The rule of law, you see, buckles, bends and sometimes crumbles under the weight of racism, sexism, and classism.

From The Daily Beast

Attacked on Twitter and by outraged columnists for promoting sexism, Taylor issued a tearful public apology.

From The Daily Beast

The most interesting personal information Grandin shared during the AMA was the sexism she faced during the start of her career.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, she says the sexism she faced was far more of an obstacle than her autism in the workplace.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• bias
• bigotry
• chauvinism
• inequality
• inequity
• prejudice