noun · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
US:/ˈɹeɪsɪzm̩/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:R EY1 S IH2 Z AH0 M
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
The belief that there are distinct human races with inherent differences which determine their abilities, and generally that some are superior and others inferior.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable, usually
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
The policies, practices, or systems (e.g. government or political) promoting this belief or promoting the dominance of one or more races over others.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable, usually
Examples
Martin Luther King spoke out against racism.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
Prejudice or discrimination based upon race or ethnicity; (countable) an action of such discrimination.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable, usually
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
noun
Meaning 4
discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.