anti-intellectualism

American  

[an-tee-in-tl-ek-choo-uh-liz-uhm, an-tahy‑] / ˌæn tiˌɪn tlˈɛk tʃu əˌlɪz əm, ˌæn taɪ‑ /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of anti-intellectualism

anti- ( def. ) + intellectualism

Example Sentences

In the 1960s, political scientist Richard Hofstadter wrote that America had periodically been swept by waves of conformist anti-intellectualism:

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2025

This idea may not seem all that radical, but anti-intellectualism runs deep in the American theater.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2023

“I think there’s a rising tide of anti-intellectualism in this country, and it’s really hard to see because there’s nothing wrong with being educated and learning things,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 21, 2023

In the decades since the Vietnam memorial opened, Americans have become increasingly sophisticated in their anti-intellectualism, tenacious skeptics of ambiguity, adept at finding dark meaning in public art.

From Washington Post • Nov. 16, 2022

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

From A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy by Husik, Isaac