nihilism
UK: ˈnaɪ.ɪ.lɪ.zəm | US: ˈnaɪ.ə.lɪ.zəm
n. the rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless
n. (philosophy) the doctrine that nothing has real existence or objective value
The word "nihilism" originates from the Latin nihil ("nothing"), combined with the Greek-derived suffix -ism (indicating a doctrine or system). The term was popularized in the 19th century by Russian literature and philosophy, particularly through Ivan Turgenev's novel Fathers and Sons, where it described a radical skepticism toward traditional values. The morpheme nihil preserves its Latin root meaning, while -ism frames it as an ideological stance.
His nihilism led him to reject all societal norms.
The philosopher's arguments bordered on nihilism, denying any inherent purpose in existence.
Nihilism often emerges during periods of cultural upheaval.
She criticized his nihilism as a cowardly avoidance of responsibility.
The novel explores the consequences of nihilism on personal relationships.