quixotism

[kwik-suh-tiz-uhm]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter),  quixotic character or practice.

2. a quixotic idea or act.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quixotism¹

1660–70; ( Don ) Quixote + -ism

Example Sentences

In this condition not the least of my misery lay in the reflection that I had done no good; that I had suffered for a quixotism, and shown myself stubborn and obstinate to no purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Don't let any false quixotism blind you to that, Vane.

From Project Gutenberg

With three jumps I was up in the little gallery, wringing the hands of those performers and calling down blessings upon their quixotism as musical missionaries.

From Project Gutenberg

In a later instance, related by Walter Savage Landor, Paine's generosity amounted to quixotism.

From Project Gutenberg

He was capable of quixotism of the most whimsical sort.

From Project Gutenberg