dhimmitude

English - English

Definition of dhimmitude in English English dictionary

appeasement towards Islamic demands

The word dhimmitude is a neologism, imported from the French language, and derived from the Arabic language word dhimmi. Dhimmi is a legal status of a non-Muslim subject of a state governed in accordance with sharia — Islamic law. The word dhimmi is an adjective (but used like a noun in English). It is derived from the noun dhimma, which means "pact of liability", and denotes the legal relationship between non-Muslim subjects and the Islamic state. "Dhimmitude" adds the productive suffix "-tude"(as in "attitude" or "servitude") to the adjective dhimmi, thus creating a new noun with a meaning (arguably) distinct from dhimma. Depending on the author, the term has several distinct, but related meanings. Its scope may be historical only, contemporary only, or both. It may encompass the whole system of dhimma, look only at its subjects (dhimmis), or even apply it outside of any established system of dhimma

Etymology

() c. 1985, from French (c. 1982), from dhimmi + -tude. See dhimmi.