A doctrine or theory; especially, a wild or visionary theory.

Used to refer to practices, beliefs, attitudes and institutions that benefit the agent group at the expense of the target group. i.e. abelism, ageism, classism, ethnocentrisim. heterosexism, racism, sexism, sizism.

"A Formal Doctrine, System or Theory." Usually used in a derogatory sense. From "-ism." See "-ism."

"Action; Process, Practice; State, Condition, Quality; Attitude; Theory; Doctrine; System." From the Middle English and Old French "-isme," from the Latin "-ismus," from the Greek "-ismos." Any word denoting a theory or system ending in "-ism" can generally be changed to "-ist" to denote a follower of that theory or system.

a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school

The use of social power to systematically deny people access to resources, rights, respect, and representation on the basis of gender, race, age, income, or membership in any other group. Isms are based on the false belief that one group is superior to another group.