Luddite

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Any of a group of early-19th-century English textile workers who destroyed machinery because it would harm their livelihood.
  2. Someone who opposes technological change.
  3. One who lives among nature, forsaking technology.
adj
  1. Alternative letter-case form of Luddite.
noun
  1. Alternative letter-case form of Luddite.

Pronunciation

lŭdʹīt /ˈlʌ.daɪt/ [ˈlʌ.ɾaɪt] en-us-Luddite.ogg [ˈlʌ.ɾʌit] en-ca-Luddite.opus en-au-Luddite.ogg

Word forms

Luddite Luddites more luddite most luddite

Etymology

Named after Ned Ludd, a legendary 18th century example, + -ite. The surname is uncommon and of uncertain origin, but compare Old English hlud (“loud, famous”).

Synonyms

Derived words

This entry uses open data from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA/GFDL). Word forms are used for search and are not indexed as separate pages.