sexism

[sek-siz-uhm]

noun

1. attitudes or behavior based on traditional stereotypes of gender roles: Her husband saw their home life through a lens of sexism, and never once offered to help with the housework or the kids.

   the underlying sexism in the marketing of dolls to girls and trucks to boys;

   Her husband saw their home life through a lens of sexism, and never once offered to help with the housework or the kids.

2. discrimination or devaluation based on a person's sex or gender, as in restricted job opportunities, especially such discrimination directed against women.

   The investigation found that women face a culture of hostility and sexism.

3. ingrained and institutionalized prejudice against women.

   The idea that women are inferior to men is sexism at its purest.

4. hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women; misogyny.

sexism

/ ˈsɛksɪzəm /

noun

1. discrimination on the basis of sex, esp the oppression of women by men

sexism

¹

1. The belief that one sex (usually the male) is naturally superior to the other and should dominate most important areas of political, economic, and social life. Sexist discrimination in the United States in the past has denied opportunities to women in many spheres of activity. Many allege that it still does. (See also affirmative action, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, glass ceiling, and National Organization for Women.)

sexism

²

1. The belief that one sex (usually the male) is naturally superior to the other and should dominate most important areas of political, economic, and social life.

Other Word Forms

• antisexism noun
• sexist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexism¹

First recorded in 1965–70; sex ¹ ( def. ) + -ism, on the model of racism

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexism¹

C20: from _sex + _-ism , on the model of _racism

Example Sentences

Even as she changed our understanding of the natural world, Dr Goodall faced cynicism and sexism.

From BBC

The phrase is a play on the “glass ceiling,” an older metaphor that describes how structural sexism keeps women from reaching the highest levels of leadership.

From Salon

But everyone can do their part to stop the cycle of political violence and violent extremism by addressing hostile sexism in their communities.

From Salon

A report has found evidence of sexism, misogyny and violence against women within Police Scotland at both institutional and individual level.

From BBC

Mirren has previously been quoted saying that the concept of James Bond was "born out of profound sexism", and that women have always been an "incredibly important part" of the Secret Service.

From BBC

Related Words

• bias 
• bigotry 
• chauvinism 
• inequality 
• inequity 
• prejudice