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

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

He sold his shamelessness as fearlessness and his charlatanism as charisma, and people believed.

From New York Times ● Jul. 18, 2017

Is all of this endurance of trial with a devotion approaching heroism the outcome of charlatanism, hypocrisy, and libertinism?

From The Mormon Puzzle, and How to Solve It by R. W. Beers