Nihilism
/ˈnaɪ.ɪˌlɪ.zəm/noun
A philosophical doctrine suggesting that life is meaningless and that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded.
Did you know?Nihilism gained prominence in the 19th century, often linked to radical political movements that questioned the very foundations of society and morality.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
nihil
“nothing”
19th Century
German
Nihilismus
“the doctrine of nothingness or nonexistence”
19th Century
English
nihilism
“adoption of a philosophical position asserting the absence of meaning or value in life.”
20th Century
English
nihilism
“philosophical movement often associated with existential despair and rejection of moral principles.”