[1645–55; hyperbole + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1645–55. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: capsule, complex, revival, sponsor, swab-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)