Revanchism: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Revanchism noun. A political drive to win back lost territory or avenge a past defeat.
How to say it
rih-VAN-shiz-um/rɪˈvan(t)ʃɪz(ə)m/
4 syllables, stressed on the second (VAN). Forms: revanchist.
Revanchism in a sentence
Every speech at the rally dripped with revanchism about the provinces lost a century ago.
The historian argued that revanchism, not economics, explained the rush to rearm.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- irredentism
- vengefulness
- retaliation
Where revanchism comes from
From French revanche, revenge; the word grew from French anger over losing Alsace-Lorraine in 1871.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The historian argued that _____, not economics, explained the rush to rearm.
- syncretism
- catalyst
- revanchism
Show the answer
revanchism: The historian argued that revanchism, not economics, explained the rush to rearm.