Definition

Noun: A deep-seated dislike, fear, or hatred of change or of new things, ideas, or innovations.

Usage

Misoneism is a formal, psychological, or sociological term used to describe an attitude of resistance to novelty. It often implies a reactionary or conservative mindset that views change as inherently negative or threatening. - The community's misoneism was evident in its swift rejection of the proposed digital voting system. - His misoneism made it difficult for the company to adopt modern management techniques.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural/Sociological Context: can describe a collective attitude within a group, organization, or society that clings to tradition and resists progress.
  • The institution's history was marked by a persistent misoneism that stifled academic innovation for decades.

Variants and Related Words

• Misoneist (noun): A person who exhibits misoneism.
  • He was labeled a misoneist for his unwavering opposition to the new curriculum.
• Misoneistic (adjective): Characterized by or relating to misoneism.
  • The board's misoneistic tendencies were a major obstacle to reform.

Synonyms

• Neophobia: Fear of new things or experiences.
• Conservatism: Commitment to traditional values and ideas, with caution about change.
• Reactionism: The policy of opposing change and seeking to return to a previous state.

Antonyms

• Innovativeness: The quality of being innovative.
• Progressivism: Support for or advocacy of social reform and new ideas.
• Neophilia: A love of or enthusiasm for what is new or novel.

Noun

1. hatred of change or innovation