speciesism

[ spee-shee-ziz-uhm, -see-ziz- ]

noun

1. discrimination in favor of one species, usually the human species, over another, especially in the exploitation or mistreatment of animals by humans.

speciesism

/ ˈspiːʃiːzˌɪzəm /

noun

1. a belief of humans that all other species of animals are inferior and may therefore be used for human benefit without regard to the suffering inflicted

Derived Forms

• ˈspeciesist, adjective

Other Words From

• species·ist specist adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of speciesism¹

First recorded in 1970–75; species + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of speciesism¹

C20: from species + -ism

Example Sentences

Ethicists such as Peter Singer, for example, have argued against speciesism — the idea that dogs should be considered off-limits while pigs, an animal that is no less intelligent, are commonly accepted as food.

From Los Angeles Times

"This actually all comes down to speciesism, which is the misguided belief that some species are more important than others - and this is how humans justify mistreating animals."

From BBC

It is something that researchers have called speciesism: The thinking that, somewhat arbitrarily, justifies how some animals are perceived as pets or valued co-workers and others simply as food-in-waiting.

From Salon

What happens when humans resort to a kind of defensive speciesism in the name of humanism?

From Seattle Times

But speciesism, the notion that humans are inherently superior to all other organisms and, therefore, entitled to exploit them, remains firmly rooted in our way of thinking — and acting.

From Washington Post