#060 - Accismus

[mxcatmoon]

This week's word is

Accismus

'ak-SIZ-mus'


Accismus is a feigned refusal of something earnestly desired. The 1823 Encyclopædia Britannica writes that accismus may sometimes be considered a virtue, sometimes a vice.


From Dictionary.com:

[ uhk-siz-muhs ]

noun
An ironic rhetorical device, in which one feigns indifference, or makes a pretense of refusing something one desires:
Clarence’s simpering that he couldn’t possibly accept such a generous gift is an example of accismus, for he has repeatedly shown the audience his weakness for luxury.