# protectionism

/pɹəˈtɛkʃəˌnɪzəm/ (US) · /pɹətˈɛkʃənˌɪzəm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/protectionism
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a set of rules or taxes that a country uses to protect its own businesses from foreign competition. This usually makes it harder or more expensive for foreign goods to enter the market.

For teachers: economic policy of restricting through duties or quotas the number of products that are allowed to be imported into a country. Often implemented to shield domestic industries from international competition.

## Examples

- The government introduced new tariffs to increase protectionism.
- Economists debated whether the new protectionism would help local manufacturers or lead to higher prices for consumers.
- While short-term protectionism may provide a temporary boost to struggling industries, it often results in a trade war that ultimately harms the very sectors it was intended to protect.

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