nationalism

American  

[nash-uh-nl-iz-uhm, nash-nuh-liz-] / ˈnæʃ ə nlˌɪz əm, ˈnæʃ nəˌlɪz- /

noun

1. spirit or aspirations common to the whole of a nation.

   He describes how the intense and unconquerable nationalism of India’s hundreds of millions contributed to the decline of the British empire.

2. devotion and loyalty to one's own country; patriotism.

   The promotion of a healthy nationalism is part of the responsibility of the leaders of a newly independent, diverse nation.

3. excessive patriotism; chauvinism.

   This kind of nationalism, intolerance, or imperialism seems to occur even in the best democracies.

4. the desire for national advancement or political independence.

   A surge in Quebec nationalism led to the formation of the Parti Québécois, which was committed to a political route to Quebec independence.

5. the policy or doctrine of asserting the interests of one's own nation viewed as separate from the interests of other nations or of the international community.

   There’s a struggle between integration and global values on the one hand, and uncompromising nationalism on the other.

6. an idiom or trait peculiar to a nation.

7. a movement, as in the arts, based upon the folk idioms, history, aspirations, etc., of a nation.

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nationalism British  

/ ˈnæʃnə-, ˈnæʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a sentiment based on common cultural characteristics that binds a population and often produces a policy of national independence or separatism

2. loyalty or devotion to one's country; patriotism

3. exaggerated, passionate, or fanatical devotion to a national community See also chauvinism

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nationalism Cultural  

1. The strong belief that the interests of a particular nation-state are of primary importance. Also, the belief that a people who share a common language, history, and culture should constitute an independent nation, free of foreign domination.

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Nationalism is opposed to colonialism and imperialism.

Other Word Forms

• antinationalism
  noun
• nationalist
  noun
• nationalistic
  adjective
• nonnationalism
  noun
• pronationalism
  noun
• seminationalism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of nationalism

First recorded in 1830–40; national ( def. ) + -ism ( def. )

Explanation

Nationalism is the belief that your own country is better than all others. Sometimes nationalism makes people not want to work with other countries to solve shared problems. It is important not to confuse nationalism with patriotism. Patriotism is a healthy pride in your country that brings about feelings of loyalty and a desire to help other citizens. Nationalism is the belief that your country is superior, without question or doubt. In some cases, nationalism can inspire people to break free of a foreign oppressor, as in the American Revolution, but nationalism can also lead a country to cut itself off from the rest of the world.

Example Sentences

He openly declared on Sunday that "Nationalism is in the heart of everybody in the Bhumjaithai Party."

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

Nationalism would change the balance, with Venezuela passing a law in 1958 to increase its share to about 60%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

When I think of those Christians who are working to protect democracy and the rights of every person here, I think of Amanda Tyler and the organization Christians Against Christian Nationalism.

From Salon • Sep. 3, 2024

The study, “Christian Nationalism: A New Approach,” comes from Neighborly Faith Inc. of Raleigh, North Carolina, which strives to bring together Christians and members of other religions.

From Washington Times • Dec. 20, 2023

The African Nationalism for which the ANC stands is the concept of freedom and fulfillment for the African people in their own land.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• fanaticism
• jingoism