adjective / noun

protectionist

pruh-TEK-shuh-nist/prəˈtekʃənɪst/

Favoring trade policies that shield domestic industries from foreign competition.

The senator supports protectionist tariffs to help domestic manufacturers compete.

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.

Etymology

proLatinbefore, in front of

+tectLatinto cover

+ionLatinact or state

+istFrenchadvocate of a policy

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.

In context

U.S. Naval War College33:14

the us government is a high tariff protectionist economy in the 1850s and 60s

CSF 2013 | Panel Discussion: 21st Century Sea Power and Global Maritime Leadership

More examples

As a protectionist, she favors limits on imported steel.
Critics argue that protectionist policies make imported goods more expensive.
Protectionists oppose the agreement because it removes tariffs on foreign cars.

Forms

protectionist · protectionists

protectionism noun — Policies restricting imports to protect domestic industries.

Similar words

economic nationalist: Emphasizes national economic interests beyond tariffs and trade barriers.