domino theory

noun

1

: a theory that if one nation becomes Communist-controlled the neighboring nations will also become Communist-controlled

2

: the theory that if one act or event is allowed to take place a series of similar acts or events will follow

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The domino theory had the Big 12 being one of the beneficiaries of a Pac-12 implosion. —Dallas News, 19 Jan. 2023

But in a podcast interview in May with Joe Oltmann, a right-wing activist in Colorado, Griffin placed his outwardly quixotic actions in the context of a sort of domino theory of how the 2020 election might still be overturned. —New York Times, 19 July 2022

What about the influence of the domino theory, a key Cold War doctrine, on his decision-making? —Michael Bobelian, Washington Post, 1 July 2022

More broadly, in employing the domino theory, U.S. leaders had acted as though Southeast Asia was composed of vital dominoes in the Cold War. —Jordan Michael Smith, The New Republic, 10 Jan. 2022

That was the sole country Communist Vietnam ever invaded, forever undercutting the domino theory — the war’s foundational lie. —New York Times, 9 June 2021

This belief in this domino theory was so strong that the United States broke with its European allies and refused to sign the 1954 Geneva Accords ending the French war. —New York Times, 9 June 2021

If the domino theory holds true in this case, EU countries would also follow the UK’s lead, along with the US. —Hasit Shah, Quartz, 22 Apr. 2021

And didn’t the Cold War give rise to the Vietnam War, what with domino theory and all? —John D'anna, azcentral, 7 Mar. 2018

See More

Word History

Etymology

from the fact that if dominoes are stood on end one slightly behind the other, a slight push on the first will topple the others

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

domino theory

noun

1

: a theory that if one nation becomes Communist-controlled the neighboring nations will also become Communist-controlled

2

: the theory that if one act or event is allowed to take place a series of similar acts or events will follow