-ism

Usage

• anachronism

  An anachronism is something that is out of place because it is set in the wrong time period.

• recidivism

  Recidivism is a falling back into an undesirable activity, especially crime, after one has temporarily stopped doing so.

• paroxysm

  A paroxysm is a sudden uncontrolled expression of emotion or a short attack of pain, coughing, or shaking.

• atavism

  Atavism is the reappearance of a genetic feature that has been missing for generations; it can also refer to a manner or style that resurfaces after a period of absence.

• schism

  A schism causes a group or organization to divide into two groups as a result of differences in their aims and beliefs.

• fanaticism

  Fanaticism is the condition of being overly enthusiastic about a cause to the point of being extreme and unreasonable about it.