Definition

A belief or policy that supports limiting or controlling certain activities, such as immigration or trade.

Example

The government adopted a policy of restrictionism to control the flow of immigrants into the country.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new policies regarding immigration?

Yeah, they're pushing for more restrictionism in the government.

I wonder how that will affect families trying to reunite.

It's tough; restrictionism usually makes things more complicated.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Restrictionism → It is formed from "restrict" (from Latin "restringere", meaning to bind back) and "-ism" (a suffix used to denote a practice or philosophy). The word refers to the practice or philosophy of imposing limits or constraints.

Memory Tip

Think of 'binding back' ('restringere') to remember that 'restrictionism' means a philosophy of imposing limits.

Visually Confused Words