antifeudalization
|an-ti-feu-dal-i-za-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˌfjuː.dəl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˌfjuː.d(ə)l.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
opposition to feudalism
Etymology
'antifeudalization' is a compound formed in Modern English: the prefix 'anti-' originates from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against', 'feudal' comes via Old French/Medieval Latin from Latin 'feodum' meaning 'fief', and the suffix '-ization' (from French/Latin via '-ize') denotes 'the process of making or becoming'.
'feudal' entered English from Old French/Medieval Latin ('feudal' / 'feodalis') referring to fiefs and the feudal system; 'feudalization' was formed in Modern English by adding '-ization' to describe the process of becoming feudal, and 'antifeudalization' was later formed by prefixing 'anti-' to indicate opposition to that process.
Initially, related words referred specifically to 'fiefs' or the feudal system; over time 'feudalization' came to mean the process or state of feudal organization, and 'antifeudalization' came to mean the opposing process — the undoing or abolition of feudal structures.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process, movement, or policy of opposing, abolishing, or undoing feudal structures and relations (political, social, or economic).
The antifeudalization of land tenure fundamentally altered rural power relations in the region.
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Noun 2
more broadly, the reduction or removal of feudal-like hierarchical practices within organizations, institutions, or social systems (metaphorical use).
Corporate reforms were described as a form of antifeudalization, breaking down patronage-based networks.
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Last updated: 2025/09/01 04:52