classism

[klas-iz-uh m]

noun

a biased or discriminatory attitude based on distinctions made between social or economic classes.
the viewing of society as being composed of distinct classes.

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Origin of classism

First recorded in 1835–45; class + -ism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for classism

Contemporary Examples

The rule of law, you see, buckles, bends and sometimes crumbles under the weight of racism, sexism, and classism.
What Would Happen if I Got in White Cop’s Face?
Goldie Taylor
December 30, 2014
“Mainstream feminism is riddled with classism, racism, and sexual orientation discrimination,” she wrote.
Will White Feminists Finally Dump Lena Dunham?
Samantha Allen
November 4, 2014
You starred on Entourage, but also seem to be cognizant of classism.
Adrian Grenier Talks the Economy, the ‘Entourage’ Movie, and the HBO Series’ Alleged ‘Misogyny’
Marlow Stern
October 28, 2014
Be aware of racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, cissexism, ableism, and other issues of privilege and oppression.
Warning: This Column Will Offend You
Michael Moynihan
April 28, 2014
Not a bad run for a subtle commentary on South Korean classism.
YouTube’s 10 Most-Watched Videos Ever
Jake Heller, Patrice Howard
April 23, 2013

British Dictionary definitions for classism

classism

noun

the belief that people from certain social or economic classes are superior to others

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Derived Formsclassist, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for classism

n.

"distinction of class," 1842, from class (n.) + -ism.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper