VocabDictionary

isolationist

/ˌaɪ.səˈleɪ.ʃən.ɪst/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person who favors a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries.

Example Sentences:
  • Before the outbreak of the war, prominent isolationists argued strongly against foreign intervention.
  • The senator was labeled an isolationist for his consistent votes against foreign aid.
2.adjective

Favoring a policy of isolationism; advocating for a country to stay out of international alliances and economic entanglements.

Example Sentences:
  • The country shifted toward an isolationist foreign policy during the economic crisis.
  • Historians often debate the long-term consequences of the nation's isolationist stance in the 1930s.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “isolationist”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from 'isolation', which comes from the French 'isolation' (and ultimately from the Latin 'insula', meaning 'island'), combined with the suffix '-ist', denoting a person who adheres to a particular doctrine or policy. The term gained significant political prominence in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe those advocating for non-involvement in international alliances and foreign wars.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone who wants to live on an 'island' (insula) all by themselves, completely cut off from the rest of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About “isolationist

1. What is the meaning of “isolationist” in English?

In English, isolationist (noun) is defined as: “A person who favors a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries.”.

2. How do you use “isolationist” in a sentence?

Before the outbreak of the war, prominent isolationists argued strongly against foreign intervention.

3. What are English synonyms of “isolationist”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “isolationist”?

Derived from 'isolation', which comes from the French 'isolation' (and ultimately from the Latin 'insula', meaning 'island'), combined with the suffix '-ist', denoting a person who adheres to a particular doctrine or policy. The term gained significant political prominence in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe those advocating for non-involvement in international alliances and foreign wars.