voluntarism

noun vol·un·ta·rism \ˈvä-lən-tə-ˌri-zəm\

Definition of VOLUNTARISM

: the principle or system of doing something by or relying on voluntary action or volunteers

: a theory that conceives will to be the dominant factor in experience or in the world

— vol·un·ta·rist \-rist\ noun

— vol·un·ta·ris·tic \ˌvä-lən-tə-ˈris-tik\ adjective

1838

Next Word in the Dictionary: voluntary (adjective)Previous Word in the Dictionary: volumizerAll Words Near: voluntarism

What made you want to look up voluntarism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears