Dictionary.com

isolationism

[ ahy-suh-ley-shuh-niz-uhm, is-uh- ]
/ ˌaɪ səˈleɪ ʃəˌnɪz əm, ˌɪs ə- /
Save This Word!

noun
the policy or doctrine of isolating one's country from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic commitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devote the entire efforts of one's country to its own advancement and remain at peace by avoiding foreign entanglements and responsibilities.

COMPARE MEANINGS

Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of isolationism

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; isolation + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM isolationism

an·ti-i·so·la·tion·ism, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use isolationism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for isolationism

isolationism
/ (ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃəˌnɪzəm) /

noun
a policy of nonparticipation in or withdrawal from international affairs
an attitude favouring such a policy

Derived forms of isolationism

isolationist, noun, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for isolationism

isolationism

The doctrine that a nation should stay out of the disputes and affairs of other nations. The United States practiced a policy of isolationism until World War I and did not pursue an active international policy until after World War II. (Seeentangling alliances with none.”)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
FEEDBACK