absurdism

/əbˈsɜːdˌɪz.m̩/

UK: /əbˈsɜːdˌɪz.m̩/

ƏBSꞫːDꞮZ · m̩ (2 syllables)

English Noun
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Definition

A philosophy which holds that the universe is chaotic and irrational and that any attempt to impose order will ultimately fail.

Etymology

From absurd + -ism (“doctrine, theory”).

Example Sentences

  • "Henri Duval is a swashbuckling adventure with an absurdism straight out of Douglas Fairbanks: Siegel makes his hero a dandy who draws swords on men who insult his clothes."
  • "It is a sense of irrational well-being that can seduce perfectly rational people to believe such absurdisms as “Two can live as cheaply as one…” Later (about 9 1/2 weeks) comes the rational spoilsport follow up “…for half as long.”"
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