privatism

American  

[prahy-vuh-tiz-uhm] / ˈpraɪ vəˌtɪz əm /

noun

1. concern with or pursuit of one's personal or family interests, welfare, or ideals to the exclusion of broader social issues or relationships.

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Other Word Forms

• privatist noun
• privatistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of privatism

First recorded in 1945–50; private + -ism

Example Sentences

A libertarian view tends to exonerate the privileged role of privatism in America, and the internalization of privatization in governmental authority.

From New York Times

Is it really surprising that the public's often noted withdrawal into self-pursuit and privatism has coincided with the epic spread of air conditioning?

From Time Magazine Archive

In many, a sullen kind of privatism has replaced the formerly furious idealism.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is an impression now of national unity, a feeling that the U.S. is emerging from the privatism and divisions of the Me Decade.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the 1950s, U.S. college students were deemed to be a "silent generation" of "apathetes" who burrowed in "privatism" like gophers with tired blood.

From Time Magazine Archive