isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌni-zəm 

 also  ˌi-

: a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations

isolationist

ˌī-sə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nist 

 also  ˌi-

noun or adjective

Examples of isolationism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the historian Robert Kagan points out, America oscillates between periods of isolationism and interventionism. —David Brooks, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025

In the long run, isolationism does not work and makes America weaker, not stronger. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

After World War I, isolationism became more pronounced. —Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025

At a moment when nationalism and isolationism are rising in both Europe and the United States, the window that literature can provide into other cultures feels essential, Alfaro said. —Alexandra Alter, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for isolationism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anabolism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism

Kids Definition

isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm 

: a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations

isolationist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun or adjective