majoritarianism

American  

[muh-jawr-i-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm, -jor-] / məˌdʒɔr ɪˈtɛər i əˌnɪz əm, -ˌdʒɒr- /

noun

1. rule by a majority, especially the belief that those constituting a simple majority should make the rules for all members of a group, nation, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of majoritarianism

First recorded in 1960–65; majoritarian + -ism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

majoritarianism

Democracy involves both majoritarianism — governance that is responsive to the people — and the rule of law — that everyone is accountable to the rules.

From Salon ● May 20, 2025

While ushering in a remarkable moment of communal fraternity, Hindu-Muslim unity raised fears of majoritarianism among smaller minority groups: Christians, Sikhs, Parsis and Jews.

From BBC ● Nov. 18, 2021

Its inbuilt majoritarianism may offer a useful mechanism for resolving most issues.

From The Guardian ● Mar. 30, 2019

The framers of the Constitution, of course, deliberately constructed a government that would check raw majoritarianism.

From Slate ● Jun. 21, 2017

It is faithfulness to a complex tradition that forestalls being overtaken by majoritarianism or convention.

From Time Magazine Archive