antiliberalism
|an-ti-lib-er-al-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈlɪb.ə.rəl.ɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈlɪb(ə)rəlɪzəm/
opposition to liberalism
Etymology
'antiliberalism' originates from English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (meaning 'against') + 'liberal' + the suffix '-ism' (denoting a doctrine or ideology).
'anti-' comes from Greek 'antí' meaning 'against'; 'liberal' derives from Latin 'liberalis' (from 'liber' meaning 'free') via Old French and Middle English; '-ism' comes from Greek '-ismos' via Latin and French to denote systems or ideologies. These elements combined in modern English to form 'antiliberalism'.
Initially a literal compound meaning 'against liberalism', the term's usage has broadened to describe specific anti-liberal movements, policies, or attitudes often associated with illiberal or authoritarian approaches.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
opposition to political liberalism — an ideology or stance rejecting liberal principles such as individual rights, civil liberties, pluralism, or free-market policies.
The party's platform was criticized for its clear antiliberalism.
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Noun 2
a tendency in policy or practice to restrict civil liberties, political pluralism, or open debate in favor of authoritarian control.
Observers noted the government's growing antiliberalism in its censorship and crackdowns on dissent.
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Last updated: 2025/09/02 18:44