rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: pro-
Latin

pro-

before, forward; on behalf of

Forms

  • pro-
  • por- — An older Latin variant retained in some compounds.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *pro, ‘before; forward.’

Note

Standing in front of someone can develop into acting on that person’s behalf.

98 / 131
Editorial still life of customs barrier stopping incoming shipping crates at a border gate while domestic workshop behind barrier continues producing identical unbranded shoes; tiny raised-duty coin pile beside stopped crate makes trade restriction clear.
adjective / noun

protectionist

pruh-TEK-shuh-nist/prəˈtekʃənɪst/

Favoring trade policies that shield domestic industries from foreign competition.

Etymology
proLatinbefore, forward; on behalf of
+tectLatincover
+ionLatinan action, process, or result
+istFrencha practitioner, specialist, or supporter

The image of covering or shielding was applied to domestic industries sheltered from foreign competition by tariffs. The adjective describes support for that economic policy.

Full entry

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