know-nothingism

noun
know-noth·​ing·​ism | \ ˈnō-ˌnə-thiŋ-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce know-nothingism (audio) \

Definition of know-nothingism

1 capitalized K&N : the principles and policies of the Know-Nothings
2 : the condition of knowing nothing or desiring to know nothing or the conviction that nothing can be known with certainty especially in religion or morality
3 often capitalized K&N : a mid-20th century political attitude characterized by anti-intellectualism, exaggerated patriotism, and fear of foreign subversive influences

First Known Use of know-nothingism

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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