isolationism

[ ahy-suh-ley-shuh-niz-uh m, is-uh- ]
/ ˌaɪ səˈleɪ ʃəˌnɪz əm, ˌɪs ə- /

noun

the policy or doctrine of isolating one's country from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic commitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devote the entire efforts of one's country to its own advancement and remain at peace by avoiding foreign entanglements and responsibilities.

Origin of isolationism

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; isolation + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM isolationism

an·ti-i·so·la·tion·ism, noun

Example sentences from the Web for isolationism

British Dictionary definitions for isolationism

isolationism
/ (ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃəˌnɪzəm) /

noun

a policy of nonparticipation in or withdrawal from international affairs
an attitude favouring such a policy

Derived forms of isolationism

isolationist, noun, adjective

Cultural definitions for isolationism

isolationism

The doctrine that a nation should stay out of the disputes and affairs of other nations. The United States practiced a policy of isolationism until World War I and did not pursue an active international policy until after World War II. (Seeentangling alliances with none.”)