preservationism
|pre-ser-va-tion-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˌprɛzərˈveɪʃənɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌprezəˈveɪʃənɪzəm/
belief in keeping things unchanged
Etymology
'preservationism' originates from Modern English, specifically the word 'preservation' combined with the suffix '-ism' (from Greek '-ismos' via Latin), where 'preservation' meant 'the act of preserving' and '-ism' meant 'doctrine or system'.
'preservationism' developed by adding the suffix '-ism' to Middle English 'preservacioun' / Old French 'preservacion', which came from Latin 'praeservatio' (from 'prae-' + 'servare'), eventually forming the modern English 'preservation' and then 'preservationism'.
Initially, the root 'preservatio' meant 'the act of keeping safe or protecting', but over time the compound 'preservationism' has come to mean the doctrinal or ideological stance of advocating preservation rather than only the act itself.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the doctrine or policy of preserving something — especially buildings, artifacts, or cultural heritage — in its existing state and protecting it from change or destruction.
Preservationism drove the campaign to prevent the demolition of the historic theatre.
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Noun 2
an ideological stance favoring strict protection of natural environments and species, often opposing interventions that alter ecosystems.
In environmental policy debates, preservationism often clashes with resource-utilization approaches.
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Last updated: 2025/12/15 22:31