elitism

[ih-lee-tiz-uh m, ey-lee-]

noun

practice of or belief in rule by an elite.

consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group.

Origin of elitism

First recorded in 1950–55; elite + -ism

Related formse·lit·ist, noun, adjectivean·ti·e·lit·ism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for elitism

That perception is false and often reflects not just ignorance but also elitism and racism.
Forget the Kids Who Can’t Get In; What About Those Who Don’t Even Apply?|Jonah Edelman|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In their elitism and sense of entitlement, they represent much of what liberals are supposed to despise.
The Rise and Fall of Chris Hughes and Sean Eldridge, America’s Worst Gay Power Couple|James Kirchick|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That is not to say the students who submit to the elitism and racism promoted by the USC Greek system are wholly sympathetic.
Stepford Sororities: The Pressures of USC’s Greek Life|Maya Richard Craven|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
By refusing to heed the public will, liberals gained a reputation for elitism.
Ted Cruz and Other GOP Congressmen Lose by Acting Like Winners|Peter Beinart|September 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST

She uncovers a reprehensible example of cronyism, elitism, and vote finagling which reflects some Israeli Leftist shortcomings.
Open Zion Should Not Mean Open Season on Israel|Gil Troy|July 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for elitism

elitism

noun

the belief that society should be governed by a select group of gifted and highly educated individuals
such government

pride in or awareness of being one of an elite group

Derived Formselitist, adjective, noun

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 elitism