# protectionist

/pɹəˈtɛkʃənɪst/ (US) · /pɹətˈɛkʃənˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/protectionist
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a person who supports government rules that make it harder for foreign companies to sell their goods in a country. They want to protect local businesses from foreign competition.

For teachers: a person who advocates for trade policies that restrict imports to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. Often associated with high tariffs or quotas to maintain local economic stability.

## Examples

- The protectionist wants to raise taxes on imported cars.
- The protectionist argued that the new tariffs would save thousands of local jobs in the steel industry.
- Economists often debate whether a protectionist policy truly safeguards national security or merely creates inefficiencies by insulating domestic markets from global price competition.

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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.