This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
isolationism
[ ahy-suh-ley-shuh-niz-uhm, is-uh- ]
/ ˌaɪ səˈleɪ ʃəˌnɪz əm, ˌɪs ə- /
See the most commonly confused word associated with isolationism
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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?
OTHER WORDS FROM isolationism
an·ti-i·so·la·tion·ism, nounWords nearby isolationism
isolated system, ISO Latin-1, isolating, isolation, isolation booth, isolationism, isolationist, isolative, isolato, Isolda, Isolde
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, adjectiveCollins 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. (See “entangling 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.