interventionism

American  

[in-ter-ven-shuh-niz-uhm] / ˌɪn tərˈvɛn ʃəˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. the policy or doctrine of intervening, especially government interference in the affairs of another state or in domestic economic affairs.

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Other Word Forms

• interventionist noun

Etymology

Origin of interventionism

First recorded in 1920–25; intervention + -ism

Compare meaning

How does interventionism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• isolationism vs. interventionism

Example Sentences

“We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive,” said the vice president, who is known for being skeptical of military interventionism.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

One theory is that the Iranians may view Vance as a more likely partner for diplomacy given his widely reported opposition to the war, and general doubts about US interventionism.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

This fitted in with the era of liberal interventionism that the UK had backed from the 1990s under Tony Blair, intervening in the Balkans to prevent bloodshed in Kosovo.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

I asked Graham if he felt that he had won the battle against Paul in favor of interventionism.

From Slate • Jan. 7, 2026

There was a vigorous interventionism in the land law subsequent to appeals to the King in landlord-tenant relations, brought by a lord or by an undertenant.

From Our Legal Heritage by Reilly, S. A.