know-nothingism
noun
know-noth·ing·ism ˈnō-ˌnə-thiŋ-ˌi-zəm 
1
capitalized K&N : the principles and policies of the Know-Nothings
2
: the condition of knowing nothing or desiring to know nothing or the conviction that nothing can be known with certainty especially in religion or morality
3
often capitalized K&N : a mid-20th century political attitude characterized by anti-intellectualism, exaggerated patriotism, and fear of foreign subversive influences
Word History
First Known Use
1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1
know-nothingism
noun
as in agnosticism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- agnosticism
- secularism
- atheism
- unbelief
- godlessness
- nonbelief
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- religion
- faith
- cult
- persuasion
- creed
- church
- doctrine
- theology
- dogma
- denomination
- credo
- sect
- communion