Racism — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈrā-ˌsi-zəm/ rac·ism

Meaning & Definition of Racism

Racism (noun)

  1. a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
  2. behavior or attitudes that reflect and foster this belief, discrimination, prejudice, or violence against people because of their race
  3. the systemic oppression of a racial group to the social, economic, and political advantage of another; specifically, white supremacy

Racism (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the belief that certain races of people are by birth and nature superior to others

    "Hitler's declaration of his belief in a master race provided irrefutable proof to the world of the inherent and dangerous racism of the Nazi movement"

    similar: racialism
    related: apartheid, segregation, separatism, eugenics
    near: desegregation, integration

  2. hatred of or discrimination against a person or persons based on their race

    "the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, was one of the most deplorable incidents of racism that occurred during the civil rights movement of the 1960s"

    similar: prejudice, racialism
    related: race-baiting, apartheid, Jim Crow, segregation, separatism, bigotry, intolerance, narrow-mindedness, narrowness
    near: antidiscrimination, antiracism, antisegregation, assimilationism

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Racism

The most common words with a similar meaning to Racism:

racialism, prejudice

Related Words for Racism

apartheid, segregation, separatism, eugenics, race-baiting, Jim Crow, bigotry, intolerance, narrow-mindedness, narrowness

Near Antonyms of Racism

desegregation, integration, antidiscrimination, antiracism, antisegregation, assimilationism

Origin & Etymology of Racism

race:1 + -ism, perhaps after French racisme.

First known use: 1886

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Racism

Words & Phrases Containing Racism

systemic racism

Frequently Asked Questions about Racism

What does "Racism" mean?

"Racism" means a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. As a noun, it is defined as: a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Racism"?

Other words for "Racism" include racialism and prejudice. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Racism" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Racism"?

There are 12 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Racism". Common alternatives include racialism and prejudice.

How do you use "Racism" in a sentence?

Examples of "Racism" in a sentence: "Hitler's declaration of his belief in a master race provided irrefutable proof to the world of the inherent and dangerous racism of the Nazi movement"; "the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, was one of the most deplorable incidents of racism that occurred during the civil rights movement of the 1960s".

Is "Racism" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Racism" is a noun.

Is "Racism" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Racism" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Racism"?

"Racism" is pronounced /ˈrā-ˌsi-zəm/ and divided into syllables as rac·ism.

What is the origin of the word "Racism"?

"Racism" comes from race:1 + -ism, perhaps after French racisme. First known use: 1886.