untouchability

[ uhn-tuhch-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, Hinduism.

1. the quality or condition of being an untouchable, ascribed in the Vedic tradition to persons of low caste or to persons excluded from the caste system.

Word History and Origins

Origin of untouchability¹

First recorded in 1920–25; untouch(able) + -ability

Example Sentences

This is especially true of Dalits, which is the broad term for the community that occupies the bottom rung of the caste ladder and suffers the unique stigma of untouchability.

From Time

The trouble will end only when the masses and classes of Hindus have rid themselves of the sin of untouchability.

From Project Gutenberg

They were another race entirely, and their status of untouchability was no mere prejudice.

From Project Gutenberg

Has not a just Nemesis overtaken us for the crime of untouchability?

From Project Gutenberg

Untouchability I hold is a custom, not an integral part of Hinduism.

From Project Gutenberg

We are leaving off drink, we are trying to rid India of the curse of untouchability.

From Project Gutenberg