Definition of Quixotism

1. Noun. Quixotic (romantic and impractical) behavior.

Exact synonyms: Knight Errantry
Generic synonyms: Idealism

Definition of Quixotism

1. n. That form of delusion which leads to extravagant and absurd undertakings or sacrifices in obedience to a morbidly romantic ideal of duty or honor, as illustrated by the exploits of Don Quixote in knight-errantry.

Definition of Quixotism

1. Noun. That form of delusion which leads to extravagant and absurd undertakings or sacrifices in obedience to a morbidly romantic ideal of duty or honor, as illustrated by the exploits of Don Quixote in knight-errantry. ¹

2. Noun. Quixotry. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Quixotism

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Quixotism

1. That form of delusion which leads to extravagant and absurd undertakings or sacrifices in obedience to a morbidly romantic ideal of duty or honor, as illustrated by the exploits of Don Quixote in knight-errantry. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Quixotism

quiverfuls
quiverier
quivering
quiveringly
quiverings
quivers
quiversful
quivertip
quivertips
quivery
quixote
quixotes
quixotic
quixotical
quixotically
quixotism (current term)
quixotisms
quixotries
quixotry
quiz
quiz program
quiz show
quizbook
quizbooks
quizlike
quizmaster
quizmasters
quizmistress
quizmistresses
quizshow

Literary usage of Quixotism

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Chief American Poets: Selected Poems by Bryant, Poe, Emerson, Longfellow by Curtis Hidden Page (1905)
"... at a time when abolition seemed mere quixotism, was despised by almost all conservative people, even in New England, and shut out its devotees from the ..."

2. Selections from the Writings of John Ruskin by John Ruskin (1868)
"quixotism, OR UTOPIANISM.—Since the time of Cervantes the purest impulses and the noblest ... quixotism, or Utopianism: that is another of the devil's pet ..."

3. Charles Brockden Brown: A Study of Early American Fiction by Martin Samuel Vilas (1904)
"In other words, it amounted to his dropping the philosophy of Godwin and coming down to the same basis with "Charlotte Temple" and "Female quixotism," a ..."

4. Rural Sports by William Barker Daniel (1813)
"The Quakers having attracted his attention, he next adopted their Creed, and with a Degree of Zeal, bordering on crazy quixotism, he undertook a Journey to ..."

5. Extracts from Chordal's Letters: Comprising the Choicest Selections from the by James Waring See (1909)
"MECHANICAL quixotism.— FORGES AND SHELVES FOR THE NORTH SHOP.—THE STEAM ENGINE INDICATOR. * * * * Our craft must often prove a law unto itself, ..."

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