untouchability

[ uhn-tuhch-uh-bil-i-tee ]

nounHinduism.
  1. the quality or condition of being an untouchable, ascribed in the Vedic tradition to persons of low caste or to persons excluded from the caste system.

Origin of untouchability

1
First recorded in 1920–25; untouch(able) + -ability

Words Nearby untouchability

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use untouchability in a sentence

  • The trouble will end only when the masses and classes of Hindus have rid themselves of the sin of untouchability.

    Freedom's Battle | Mahatma Gandhi
  • They were another race entirely, and their status of untouchability was no mere prejudice.

    The Status Civilization | Robert Sheckley
  • Has not a just Nemesis overtaken us for the crime of untouchability?

    Freedom's Battle | Mahatma Gandhi
  • untouchability I hold is a custom, not an integral part of Hinduism.

    Freedom's Battle | Mahatma Gandhi
  • We are leaving off drink, we are trying to rid India of the curse of untouchability.

    Freedom's Battle | Mahatma Gandhi