Definition

A policy that involves not bringing in goods from other countries, particularly used in the context of 18th century America to stop imports from Britain.

Example

The colonies adopted a nonimportation agreement to protest British taxes.

Conversation

Have you heard about the nonimportation agreements from the 18th century?

Yeah, they were a way to protest British taxes, right?

Exactly! It was interesting how they refused to import goods to make a statement.

I love how history shows us the power of collective action.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonimportation → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "importation" (from Latin "importare", meaning to bring in). The word refers to the act of not bringing goods into a country.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') bringing in goods ('importation') — that's what nonimportation means.

Visually Confused Words