special interest

American  

noun

1. special-interest group.

2. a political or economic stake in something.

   Japan had a special interest in the South China Sea.

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Other Word Forms

• special-interest adjective

Etymology

Origin of special interest

An Americanism dating back to 1785–90

Example Sentences

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said Monday that her administration is acting to “crack down on the out-of-state special interests that are pumping our state dry while Arizona families and farmers suffer.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I have beaten these special interests, every single time with the SEIU,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Benefit Street focuses on deals involving U.S.-based commercial and multifamily residential assets, with a special interest in locations in low- or no-tax states such as Florida, Texas and Tennessee.

From The Wall Street Journal

He took a special interest in me, and he always played Thelonious Monk, Joe Sample from the Crusaders, and he would refer to them, and Miles.

From Los Angeles Times

Kiros has refused donations from corporate PACs and special interest groups in her campaign.

From Salon