anti-intellectualism

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

/ ˌæn tiˌɪn tlˈɛk tʃu əˌlɪz əm, ˌæn taɪ‐ /

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noun

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.

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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Origin of anti-intellectualism

anti- + intellectualism

Words nearby anti-intellectualism

anti-imperialist, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, anti-inflationary, anti-intellectual, anti-intellectualism, antiknock, Antikythera, anti-Leaguer, Anti-Lebanon, antilegomena

How to use anti-intellectualism in a sentence

Before anti-vaxxers, there were anti-fluoriders: a group who spread fear about the anti-tooth decay agent added to drinking water.
Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers|Michael Schulson|July 27, 2016|DAILY BEAST
A few years back, designer John Galliano was fined by the government for sharing just such anti-semitic sentiments in public.
Politicians Only Love Journalists When They're Dead|Luke O’Neil|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The “doctorate” Duke claims is from an anti-Semitic Ukranian “diploma mill” as described by the State Department.
The Price of Steve Scalise’s Silence|Jason Berry|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Charles “Father” Coughlin, a raving anti-Semite, was one of the most popular radio hosts in the country.
Why Was Bess Myerson the First and Last Jewish Miss America?|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

The anti-crime cops began searching the likely path of flight.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
To give him a party name, he became an anti-clerical, strictly in a political and lawful sense.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Martini appeared from his little anti-room, with a lamp in his hand, as the prison clock struck ten.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
The unoccupied pallet of Martini lay in one corner of this miserable anti-room.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
He sincerely hates all anti-tobaccoites and has a supreme disgust for the memory of King James I. and all royal foes of the plant.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
Let no opportunity be missed of exposing the true character of the vile and selfish agitators of the Anti-corn-law league.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various