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protectionist

noun
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pro·​tec·​tion·​ist | \ prə-ˈtek-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce protectionist (audio) \

Definition of protectionist

: an advocate of government economic protection for domestic producers through restrictions on foreign competitors
Other Words from protectionist Example Sentences Learn More about protectionist

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Other Words from protectionist

protectionism \ prə-​ˈtek-​shə-​ˌni-​zəm How to pronounce protectionism (audio) \ noun
protectionist adjective

Examples of protectionist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That may turn people away from simple solutions proffered by populists and protectionists, and towards more sustainable economics that benefit more people. — The Economist, "Guest comment: Robin Varghese and Sarah Pray To neutralise populism, give people more control," 14 Jan. 2020 For decades, a national anti-cruelty law was a dream for animal protectionists. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE.com, "New Law 'Finally' Makes Animal Cruelty a Federal Crime: 'America’s Beloved Pets Are Safer'," 25 Nov. 2019 Over the last two decades, animal protectionists have partnered with mainstream environmental groups to put pressure on state and federal wildlife authorities, and to take their animal-cruelty concerns to the voters. — Los Angeles Times, "California becomes first state to ban fur trapping after Gov. Newsom signs law," 4 Sep. 2019 If so, this episode contains a warning for protectionists who seem oblivious. — George Will, National Review, "Trade War Shows Reality of ‘America First’ in Action," 25 Aug. 2019 If so, this episode contains a warning for protectionists who seem oblivious. — George F. Will, The Denver Post, "Will: Trade war shows reality of “America First” in action," 25 Aug. 2019 If so, this episode contains a warning for protectionists who seem oblivious. — George Will, Twin Cities, "George Will: Trade war shows reality of ‘America First’ in action," 25 Aug. 2019 Like Perot, President Trump is also a billionaire populist and a trade protectionist. — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, "Ross Perot, a Morning Star of Trumpism," 9 July 2019 However his rhetoric and actions reveal the heart of a classic protectionist with a deeply troubling misunderstanding about how to analyze the meaning of trade flows in today’s world. — WSJ, "A Trade Imbalance Is Not Harmful or Unfair," 6 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'protectionist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of protectionist

1834, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for protectionist

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The first known use of protectionist was in 1834

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Statistics for protectionist

Last Updated

28 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Protectionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protectionist. Accessed 23 Feb. 2020.

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