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Dictionary Entry

protectionism

noun

Find the meaning of the word protectionism, plus dictionary definition, pronunciation, thesaurus-style synonyms, antonyms, and related vocabulary.

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Meaning

Dictionary meaning in a clear, student-friendly format.

A government's policy of protecting domestic industries from foreign competition, usually by imposing tariffs on imports or other trade barriers.

Example Sentence

The country implemented protectionism to safeguard its struggling steel industry from cheaper foreign goods.

Usage Note

You would use 'protectionism' when discussing economic policies where a government tries to shield its own businesses from international competition. It's often used in debates about trade, tariffs, and global economics, especially when talking about the pros and cons of limiting imports to boost local production and jobs.