parochialism

[ puh-roh-kee-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. a parochial character, spirit, or tendency; excessive narrowness of interests or view; provincialism.

Other Words From

• pa·rochi·al·ist noun
• pa·rochi·al·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of parochialism¹

First recorded in 1840–50; parochial + -ism

Example Sentences

In that work, Roman got to know Washington’s then-police chief, Charles Ramsey, and discovered how open he was to outside expertise — not the most common trait in a police culture often characterized by parochialism.

From ProPublica

However, it must be emphasized that Civil War soldiers themselves were often the most vocal critics of such parochialism.

From The Daily Beast

Attributing the last four years to either Republicans or Democrats is myopic American parochialism.

From The Daily Beast

Ethanol is a case study of how parochialism trumps progress in Congress.

From The Daily Beast

They have not lost the quaint simplicity of their parochialism, to become national if not cosmopolitan.

From Project Gutenberg

He preaches, he also displays fine perception of the parochialism of the British political career.

From Project Gutenberg

It is because of our insecurity and fear that we develop these defensive attitudes of parochialism and churchism.

From Project Gutenberg

Enderby and Jackson believe that the next train is the 10.15; but that is their narrow-minded parochialism.

From Project Gutenberg

But there had always been a frankly cosmopolitan spirit in Browning,—no touch of parochialism or insularity.

From Project Gutenberg