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. 2018

Examples from the Web for elitism

Contemporary Examples of 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
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
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
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
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

British Dictionary definitions for elitism

elitism

noun

1. the belief that society should be governed by a select group of gifted and highly educated individuals
2. 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

1951; see elite + -ism.