Puritanism

[ pyoor-i-tn-iz-uhm ]

/ ˈpyʊər ɪ tnˌɪz əm /

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noun

the principles and practices of the Puritans.

(sometimes lowercase) extreme strictness in moral or religious matters, often to excess; rigid austerity.

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Origin of Puritanism

First recorded in 1565–75; Puritan + -ism

an·ti-Pu·ri·tan·ism, noun

American women expressed their support and impatience when fighting puritanism and conservatism using Femen tactics.
Femen's Topless Sextremists Invade the US|Lizzie Crocker|February 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
H.L. Mencken famously defined puritanism as “the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.”
Ban E-Cigarettes? The Anti-Smoking Lobby's Clueless Crusade|Nick Gillespie|August 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Never mind that Bill Clinton remains living proof of the silliness of modern puritanism.
Exclusive: Paula Broadwell’s Emails Revealed|Michael Daly|November 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
She talked to Marlow Stern about losing her virginity, Charlie Sheen, and sexual Puritanism.
Sasha Grey Talks Porn and Charlie Sheen|Marlow Stern|March 28, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Positive thinking is Puritanism with a capitalist face, she believes.
Why Are You So Damn Happy?|Megan Hustad|October 15, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Some blathering parsons say that this blessed Mission is teaching men to talk cant and Puritanism.
The Chequers|James Runciman
Quite "continental," you perceive; and a long way from the Puritanism of our ancestors!
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair
The American plutocracy has developed upon a superstructure of Puritanism, and therefore, in America, hypocrisy is necessary.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society|Upton Sinclair
At its close the University was a hot-bed of Puritanism, where the fiercest tenets of Calvin reigned supreme.
History of the English People|John Richard Green
The accession of the young Queen heralded one of those moods of puritanism which are chronic with English society.
The English Stage|Augustin Filon