domino theory
noun
a theory that if one country is taken over by an expansionist, especially Communist, neighbor, party, or the like, the nearby nations will be taken over one after another.
Origin of domino theory
First recorded in 1960–65
Words nearby domino theory
dominique,
dominium,
domino,
domino effect,
domino paper,
domino theory,
dominoes,
dominus,
dominus vobiscum,
domitae naturae,
domitian
Cultural definitions for domino theory
domino theory
The idea that if one key nation in a region fell to control of communists, others would follow like toppling dominoes. The theory was used by many American leaders to justify American intervention in the Vietnam War. (See policy of containment.)