Hobbism

noun

Hob·bism ˈhä-ˌbi-zəm

: the philosophical system of Thomas Hobbes

especially : the Hobbesian theory that people have a fundamental right to self-preservation and to pursue selfish aims but will relinquish these rights to an absolute monarch in the interest of common safety and happiness

Hobbist

ˈhä-bist

noun or adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Hobbism was in 1691

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

hobbil

Hobbism

hobbit

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hobbism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hobbism. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Hobbism

noun

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

fidelity