know-nothingism

noun

know-noth·​ing·​ism ˈnō-ˌnə-thiŋ-ˌi-zəm 

1

capitalized K&N : the principles and policies of the Know-Nothings

2

: the condition of knowing nothing or desiring to know nothing or the conviction that nothing can be known with certainty especially in religion or morality

3

often capitalized K&N : a mid-20th century political attitude characterized by anti-intellectualism, exaggerated patriotism, and fear of foreign subversive influences

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1