Added 9 October 2026
racism
/ˈɹeɪsɪzm̩/ noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about racism at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- The belief that there are distinct human races with inherent differences which determine their abilities, and generally that some are superior and others inferior.
-
The policies, practices, or systems (e.g. government or political) promoting this belief or promoting the dominance of one or more races over others.
Martin Luther King spoke out against racism.
- Prejudice or discrimination based upon race or ethnicity; an action of such discrimination.
Origin
Borrowed from French racisme, equivalent to race + -ism.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)