privatism

[ prahy-vuh-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. concern with or pursuit of one's personal or family interests, welfare, or ideals to the exclusion of broader social issues or relationships.

Other Words From

• priva·tist noun adjective
• priva·tistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of privatism¹

First recorded in 1945–50; private + -ism

Example Sentences

In this instance, the call to think, inspire and energize has been replaced by a discourse and pedagogy designed to misdirect rage, deaden the ethical imagination and encourage the collective fog of nihilism, racial purity and a depoliticizing privatism.

From Salon

A libertarian view tends to exonerate the privileged role of privatism in America, and the internalization of privatization in governmental authority.

From New York Times

Is it really surprising that the public's often noted withdrawal into self-pursuit and privatism has coincided with the epic spread of air conditioning?

From Time Magazine Archive

In many, a sullen kind of privatism has replaced the formerly furious idealism.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is an impression now of national unity, a feeling that the U.S. is emerging from the privatism and divisions of the Me Decade.

From Time Magazine Archive