noun

nihilism

Nihilism (noun) means the view that all endeavours are devoid of objective meaning.

noun

The view that all endeavours are devoid of objective meaning.

The rejection of, or opposition to, religious beliefs, (inherent or objective) moral principles, legal rules, etc., often due to the view that life is meaningless (sense 1).

The rejection of non-proven or non-rationalized assertions in the social and political spheres of society.

A delusion that oneself or the world, or parts thereof, have ceased to exist.

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Etymology

Probably borrowed from French nihilisme, German Nihilismus, or Late Latin nihilismus; the French, German, and Latin words are derived from Latin nihil (“indefinite nothing”), from nihilum (“nothing”), from ne- (prefix negating the principal meaning) + hīlum (“a trifle; not in the least”). The English word is cognate with Italian nichilismo, Spanish nihilismo, Russian нигили́зм (nigilízm), philosophical doctrine grounded on negation of one or more meaningful aspects of life; emptiness; lack of education and cultural refinement.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of nihilism?

"nihilism" (noun) means the view that all endeavours are devoid of objective meaning.

What are the different meanings of nihilism?

"nihilism" has 3 main meanings: 1. The view that all endeavours are devoid of objective meaning; 2. The rejection of, or opposition to, religious beliefs, (inherent or objective) moral principles, legal rules, etc., often due to the view that life is meaningless (sense 1); 3. The rejection of non-proven or non-rationalized assertions in the social and political spheres of society.