tribalism

[ trahy-buh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. the customs and beliefs of tribal life and society.
2. strong loyalty to one's own tribe, party, or group:

   the tribalism of New Yorkers.

tribalism

/ ˈtraɪbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the state of existing as a separate tribe or tribes
2. the customs and beliefs of a tribal society
3. loyalty to a tribe or tribal values

Derived Forms

• ˌtribalˈistic, adjective
• ˈtribalist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• tribal·ist noun
• tribal·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribalism¹

First recorded in 1885–90; tribal + -ism

Example Sentences

The tribalism and polarisation that is often evident in the Church makes some anxious that a skilled politician at the top is the only way the institution does not start to fracture.

From BBC

“There’s obviously the tribalism involved, there’s the performative aspect of it,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s an element of tribalism in it, in elections anyway,” Rendon said.

From Los Angeles Times

But Trump's followers back the lies out of a misguided sense of loyalty and tribalism.

From Salon

Along with tribalism that encourages tunnel vision and an unwillingness to see or hear anything that doesn’t support the tribe’s position.

From Los Angeles Times