charlatanism

American  

[shahr-luh-tn-iz-uhm] / ˈʃɑr lə tnˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the practice or method of a charlatan.

2. an instance of this.

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Etymology

Origin of charlatanism

First recorded in 1795–1805; charlatan + -ism

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

charlatanism

Hegel was a metaphysician whose insistence that Geist, or spirit, pervades the historical process and moves it to some grand culmination is difficult to distinguish from New Age mysticism, and hence charlatanism.

From Salon ● Mar. 28, 2026

It was an exceptional display of charlatanism by people who transparently did not know what they were doing.

From Slate ● Feb. 1, 2024

“The suspicion of charlatanism hangs over Etzioni,” The New Statesman, a progressive British journal, said in 1997.

From New York Times ● Jun. 1, 2023

We’re reminded that cinema — call it movie magic — is itself an advanced form of charlatanism, a sustained illusion that leaves us wondering, “How’d they do that?”

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 16, 2021

Well—it is scarcely to be called a 'profession,' but it is always liable to the charge of charlatanism: pardon me the word.

From International Short Stories American by Various

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