Maternalism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Maternalism refers to the qualities or behaviors associated with motherhood, such as nurturing, protectiveness, and caregiving. It can also describe policies or attitudes that emphasize these maternal traits.
Definition:
The quality or behavior of being motherly, often excessively protective or nurturing.
Synonyms:
motherliness, protectiveness, nurturance
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
paternalism, neglect
Common Collocations:
maternal instinct, maternal care, maternal love
Derivatives:
maternalistic, maternally
Usage Tips:
Use to describe overbearing or overly nurturing behavior, often in a caregiving or leadership context.
Common Phrases:
maternal bond, mother hen attitude, smother love
Etymology:
Derived from Latin *maternus* (motherly) with the suffix *-ism* denoting a practice or ideology.
Examples:
- 1. Her maternalism made her the favorite aunt among the children.
- 2. The boss’s maternalism sometimes stifled her team’s independence.
- 3. His maternalism surprised everyone since he was usually so reserved.
- 4. The novel explores themes of maternalism and sacrifice in wartime.