nationalism

[nash-uh-nl-iz-uhm, nash-nuh-liz-]

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.

nationalism

/ 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

nationalism

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.

Nationalism is opposed to colonialism and imperialism.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nationalism¹

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

Example Sentences

Labour is facing a "hell of a fight" against the "divisive nationalism" of Plaid Cymru and Reform, Wales' first minister has told the party's Autumn conference.

From BBC

In some cases, tradwives’ advocacy extends to white nationalism and nativism.

From Salon

"We will not have our history, our heritage, and our home stolen by the poison of nationalism," the MP roared as he called on members to "reclaim patriotism" from the far right.

From BBC

It was about nationalism not colour, said one from Dorset; the rally was full of families, mums and dads with their kids, said another from Kent.

From BBC

Americans want to spend their time and money on things that don’t feel so tinged with the sickly odor of United States nationalism, and they’re finding it wherever they can.

From Salon

Related Words

• fanaticism 
• jingoism