beggar-thy-neighbor

adjective

beg·​gar-thy-neigh·​bor ˈbe-gər-ˌṯẖī-ˈnā-bər How to pronounce beggar-thy-neighbor (audio)
: relating to or being an action or policy that produces gains for one group at the expense of another
followed beggar-thy-neighbor policies in imposing taxes

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beggar-thy-neighbor was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near beggar-thy-neighbor

Cite this Entry

“Beggar-thy-neighbor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beggar-thy-neighbor. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

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