ˌizəm noun suffix
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English -isme, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French -isme, partly from Latin -isma (from Greek), & partly from Latin -ismus, from Greek -ismos
1.
a. : act, practice, or process — especially in nouns corresponding to verbs in -ize
critic ism
hypnot ism
plagiar ism
b. : manner of action or behavior characteristic of a (specified) person or thing
animal ism
Micawber ism
2.
a. : state, condition, or property
barbarian ism
polymorph ism
b. : abnormal state or condition resulting from excess of a (specified) thing
alcohol ism
morphin ism
c. : abnormal state or condition characterized by resemblance to a (specified) person or thing
mongol ism
3.
a. : doctrine, theory, or cult
Buddh ism
Calvin ism
Platon ism
salvation ism
vegetarian ism
b. : adherence to a system or a class of principles
neutral ism
real ism
social ism
stoic ism
4. : characteristic or peculiar feature or trait
colloquial ism
Latin ism
poetic ism