conservatism

con·ser·va·tism  (kn-sûrv-tzm)

n.

1. The inclination, especially in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order.

2. A political philosophy or attitude emphasizing respect for traditional institutions, distrust of government activism, and opposition to sudden change in the established order.

3. Conservatism The principles and policies of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom or of the Progressive Conservative Party in Canada.

4. Caution or moderation, as in behavior or outlook.

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conservatism

1. the disposition to retain what is established and to practice a policy of gradualism rather than abrupt change. Cf. radicalism.
2. the principles and practices of political conservatives, especially of the British Conservative party. — conservative, n., adj.

See also: Politics

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

conservatism - a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes conservativism ideology, political orientation, political theory - an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation neoconservatism - an approach to politics or theology that represents a return to a traditional point of view (in contrast to more liberal or radical schools of thought of the 1960s) reaction - extreme conservatism in political or social matters; "the forces of reaction carried the election"