noun
- the disposition to preserve or restore what is established and traditional and to limit change.
- the principles and practices of political conservatives.
noun
- opposition to change and innovation
- a political philosophy advocating the preservation of the best of the established order in society and opposing radical change
noun (in Britain, Canada, etc)
- the form of conservatism advocated by the Conservative Party
- the policies, doctrines, or practices of the Conservative Party
1835, in reference to the Conservative party in British politics; from conservative + -ism. From 1840 in reference to conservative principles generally.
A general preference for the existing order of society, and an opposition to efforts to bring about sharp change. (Compare liberalism.)