revanchist
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /rɪˈvænʧɪst/
KK: /rɪˈvænʧɪst/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a policy that seeks to regain lost territory or status, often through revenge or retaliation.
Example
The country's revanchist policies aimed to reclaim the land it had lost in the previous war.
Conversation
I read an article about a revanchist movement in some countries.
Really? What does that mean exactly?
It refers to groups that want to reclaim lost territories or power.
That sounds intense! I can see how that could lead to conflicts.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
retaliatory
vengeful
retributive
Antonyms
forgiving
reconciliatory
pacifist
noun
Definition
A person who supports a political policy aimed at recovering lost territory or status, often after a defeat or loss.
Example
The revanchist movement gained momentum after the war, as many sought to reclaim their former lands.
Conversation
Have you heard about the new political group that calls themselves revanchists?
Yeah, I read something about them, but I'm not sure what they really stand for.
They seem to want to reclaim lost territories and rights from the past.
Root Explanation
Revanchist → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "vanche" (from French, meaning to take revenge). The term refers to a person who advocates for the recovery of lost territory or seeks revenge for a perceived wrong.
Memory Tip
Think of someone wanting to 'take back' ('re-') something they lost, which is why a revanchist is someone who seeks to recover lost territory or avenge a wrong.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.