# interventionist

/ˌɪntɝˈvɛnʃənɪst/ (US) · /ˌɪntəvˈɛnʃənˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interventionist
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

wanting a government or outside power to get actively involved in order to fix a problem, for example in another country or in the economy.

For teachers: favouring or involving active interference by a government or outside power in the affairs of another country or in economic and social life.

## Examples

- They want a less interventionist government this year.
- The party promises a more interventionist health policy with greater funding for public hospitals.
- Critics argue that his interventionist foreign policy, though aimed at preventing conflict, risks creating long-term dependence on outside military support.

## Antonyms

isolationist, libertarian

## Usage notes

- Often used before nouns such as 'policy', 'state', and 'approach'; contrasts with non-interventionist or laissez-faire positions.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.