untouchability

[ uhn-tuhch-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, Hinduism.

1. the quality or condition of being an untouchable, ascribed in the Vedic tradition to persons of low caste or to persons excluded from the caste system.

Word History and Origins

Origin of untouchability¹

First recorded in 1920–25; untouch(able) + -ability

Example Sentences

"Through her focus on the multifaceted experiences of Dalit women, Paik elucidates the enduring nature of caste discrimination and the forces that perpetuate untouchability and marginality," the Foundation said while announcing this year’s nominees.

From BBC

As the Washington Post’s Philip Bump shows today, citing new polling from Fox News, the public actually supports a big rethink of Supreme Court structural untouchability.

From Slate

By flaunting their untouchability, they're treating the end of democracy as a done deal.

From Salon

Trump’s new motion says that while he may not be immune, any statements that he made while president are “immune” from being used against him – as if presidents are divinely anointed so that every word they utter while in office is surrounded by a halo of untouchability.

From Salon

In the immunity case, the issue before the court is a broader question about presidential untouchability and separation of powers.

From Slate