populism

[ pop-yuh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. any of various, often antiestablishment or anti-intellectual political movements or philosophies that offer unorthodox solutions or policies and appeal to the common person rather than according with traditional party or partisan ideologies.
2. grass-roots democracy; working-class activism; egalitarianism.
3. representation or extolling of the common person, the working class, the underdog, etc.:

   populism in the arts.

4. (initial capital letter) the political philosophy of the People's party.

populism

/ ˈpɒpjʊˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a political strategy based on a calculated appeal to the interests or prejudices of ordinary people

populism

1. The belief that greater popular participation in government and business is necessary to protect individuals from exploitation by inflexible bureaucracy and financial conglomerates . “Power to the people” is a famous populist slogan.

Other Words From

• anti-popu·lism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of populism¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1890–95; from Latin popul(us) “people” ( people, popular ) + -ism

Example Sentences

The letter accused the first minister of "populism" and said Sinn Féin had "turned political somersaults into an Olympic sport".

From BBC

Trump’s economic populism and promises to “make America great again” have deeply resonated with some Latinos who turned sharply right on Tuesday amid concerns over inflation, the border and safety.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Trump fumed – blaming the Republican shortcomings on the party’s support of unpopular abortion restrictions and insufficient fealty to his own brand of conservative populism.

From BBC

We are in an era of violent populism.

From Los Angeles Times

I am worried about violence in the streets for days, weeks and even months after Harris wins because violence is one of right-wing populism’s animating energies.

From Salon