-ism is a suffix in many English words, originally derived from the Ancient Greek suffix -ισμός, and reaching English through the Latin -ismus, and the French -isme.

What does ISM mean?

1 : a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory. 2 : an oppressive and especially discriminatory attitude or belief we all have got to come to grips with our isms— Joycelyn Elders. -ism.

What are the 7 isms?

The seven “isms”—or in politer parlance, “strands”—will encompass the rights of women, ethnic minorities, gays, the old, the religious, the disabled and the human rights of all Britons. The new body will not start work until next year, but it has already attracted criticism from both left and right.