Establishmentism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A doctrine that supports the continuity and reinforcement of established institutions within society and governance structures
2. A philosophical approach that prioritizes the maintenance and stability of traditional systems and practices in political life
3. The belief in upholding and preserving traditional institutions and authoritative systems within society

Etymology: "Establishmentism" is a plain compound: the noun "establishment" with the suffix "-ism" attached. "Establishment" itself comes from "establish," which passed into English through Old French "establir" from Latin "stabilire," meaning "to make stable," from "stabilis," firm or steady. The "-ism" ending, from Greek "-ismos" via Latin and French, turns a noun into a name for a doctrine, system, or attitude, so the combined word names a stance of backing the existing institutions of a society. The word is built by joining two familiar parts, so there is no coinage story or famous first use to report. Its meaning follows directly from its parts: "establishment" in the sense of the settled power structure of a society, and "-ism" in the sense of a principled position toward it.