nepotism
patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics: She was accused of nepotism when she made her nephew an officer of the firm.
Origin of nepotism
1Other words from nepotism
- ne·pot·ic [nuh-pot-ik], /nəˈpɒt ɪk/, nep·o·tis·tic, nep·o·tis·ti·cal, adjective
- nep·o·tist, noun
- an·ti·nep·o·tism, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use nepotism in a sentence
An unblushing nepotist, he alienated immense fiefs belonging to the Holy See in favour of his natural children.
As a nepotist Sixtus was almost unsurpassed in the history of the Papacy.
The Life of Cesare Borgia | Raphael SabatiniCalixtus proved himself as much a nepotist as many another Pope before and since.
The Life of Cesare Borgia | Raphael Sabatini
British Dictionary definitions for nepotism
/ (ˈnɛpəˌtɪzəm) /
favouritism shown to relatives or close friends by those with power or influence
Origin of nepotism
1Derived forms of nepotism
- nepotic (nɪˈpɒtɪk) or nepotistic, adjective
- nepotist, 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
Cultural definitions for nepotism
[ (nep-uh-tiz-uhm) ]
Favoritism granted to relatives or close friends, without regard to their merit. Nepotism usually takes the form of employing relatives or appointing them to high office.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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