protectionist

noun

pro·​tec·​tion·​ist prə-ˈtek-sh(ə-)nist 

: an advocate of government economic protection for domestic producers through restrictions on foreign competitors

protectionism

prə-ˈtek-shə-ˌni-zəm 

noun

protectionist adjective

Examples of protectionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both the reintroduced bill and the executive order serve as an extension of President Trump’s wider protectionist platform, which has largely served to deter Chinese influence on American interests. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 May 2025

Just how protectionist is the United States relative to other countries? —Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2025

While the Trump administration’s tariff plans are always subject to change — and the market moved off sessions highs after the auto comments — the market is rallying on easing concerns that trade policy won’t be as broad and protectionist as previously feared. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2025

Carey and the early generation of American protectionists were not apologists for industrial capitalism. — Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for protectionist

• connectionist
• perfectionist
• projectionist