Definition of "elitism" []

• The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources. (noun)
• The sense of entitlement enjoyed by such a group or class. (noun)
• Control, rule, or domination by such a group or class. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The weakest link in elitism is how we could decide who is elite."
• "If liberal elitism is code for educated and intellectually curious then I will take that label all day long."
• "The word "elitism" has become increasingly muddied in recent years because of its association with the class system, claimed Tony Little."