skepticism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun doubt about the truth of something
    mental rejection; incredulity; disbelief.
  2. noun the disbelief in any claims of ultimate knowledge
    scepticism; agnosticism.

WordNet

Skep"ti*cism noun
Etymology
Cf. F. scepticisme.
Definitions
  1. An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty.
    That momentary amazement, and irresolution, and confusion, which is the result of skepticism. Hune.
  2. (Metaph.) The doctrine that no fact or principle can be certainly known; the tenet that all knowledge is uncertain; Pyrrohonism; universal doubt; the position that no fact or truth, however worthy of confidence, can be established on philosophical grounds; critical investigation or inquiry, as opposed to the positive assumption or assertion of certain principles.
  3. (Theol.) A doubting of the truth of revelation, or a denial of the divine origin of the Christian religion, or of the being, perfections, or truth of God.
    Let no . . . secret skepticism lead any one to doubt whether this blessed prospect will be realized. S. Miller.

Webster 1913