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

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

And here the infamy of bringing forward two little girls to do the work of base and vulgar charlatanism, appears in all its revolting character.

From The Death-Blow to Spiritualism Being the True Story of the Fox Sisters by Davenport, Reuben Briggs