elitism
noun/ɪˈliːtɪzəm/ · /eɪˈliːtɪzəm/
Etymology From elite + -ism. First attested in the 1930s.
1
The belief that a society or system should be run by an elite.
2
The superior attitude or behaviour associated with an elite.
- Dati launched a blistering attack on the prime minister, François Fillon, under whom she served as justice minister, accusing him of sexism, elitism, arrogance and hindering the political advancement of ethnic minorities.2011 December 14, Angelique Chrisafis, “Rachida Dati accuses French PM of sexism and elitism”, in The Guardian:
- Derived terms
- antielitism, nonelitism
- Related terms
- elitist