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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.


Etymology

Origin of charlatanism

First recorded in 1795–1805; charlatan + -ism


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

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

"I think the idea of deriding experts, the idea of deriding people that spend their entire life researching and experimenting, is a return to charlatanism if we start doing that."

From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2017

Even at the present day, this subject is regarded either in the light of magic and occult phenomena, or as being connected with imposture and charlatanism.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Auguste Forel

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