protectionism

American  

[pruh-tek-shuh-niz-uhm] / prəˈtɛk ʃəˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. Economics. the theory, practice, or system of fostering or developing domestic industries by protecting them from foreign competition through duties or quotas imposed on importations.

2. any program, policy, or system of laws that seeks to provide protection for property owners, wildlife, the environment, etc.

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Other Word Forms

• antiprotectionist noun
• protectionist noun
• protectionistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of protectionism

First recorded in 1855–60; protection + -ism

Explanation

When a government limits its trade with other countries, especially by taxing imported goods, it's called protectionism. A country's protectionism restrains competition from foreign companies. In other words, it may cost more for a US company to make a t-shirt than a Chinese company, but if the US's protectionism means a high tax on the Chinese t-shirts (making them more expensive to US buyers), they won't threaten the American company's business in the same way. Quotas and regulations are other tools of protectionism. Protectionism comes from the idea that the government is protecting its industries.

Example Sentences

Over four days in Cameroon's capital Yaounde, trade ministers from around the world will try to revitalise an institution weakened by geopolitical strains, stalled negotiations and rising protectionism.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

The Economist Group traces its roots back to its first publication in 1843, with a mission of campaigning against protectionism and promoting free trade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

But relying on exports alone may not provide a sustainable engine for growth as protectionism rises globally and demand for its goods weakens.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

"Increasingly, in recent times, we've seen rising protectionism, even prior to the US actions," she said during a debate at the World Economic Forum meeting in eastern Switzerland.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

This novel form of protectionism was never put into place. once grew wild along the continent’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann