nationalism

[nash-uh-nl-iz-uh m, nash-nuh-liz-] /ˈnæʃ ə nlˌɪz əm, ˈnæʃ nəˌlɪz-/
noun
1.
spirit or aspirations common to the whole of a nation.
2.
devotion and loyalty to one's own country; patriotism.
3.
excessive patriotism; chauvinism.
4.
the desire for national advancement or political independence.
5.
the policy or doctrine of asserting the interests of one's own nation viewed as separate from the interests of other nations or the common interests of all nations.
6.
an idiom or trait peculiar to a nation.
7.
a movement, as in the arts, based upon the folk idioms, history, aspirations, etc., of a nation.
Origin
1830-40; national + -ism
Related forms
antinationalism, noun
nonnationalism, noun
pronationalism, noun
seminationalism, noun
British Dictionary definitions for nationalism

nationalism

/ˈnæʃənəˌlɪzəm; ˈnæʃnə-/
noun
1.
a sentiment based on common cultural characteristics that binds a population and often produces a policy of national independence or separatism
2.
loyalty or devotion to one's country; patriotism
3.
exaggerated, passionate, or fanatical devotion to a national community See also chauvinism
Derived Forms
nationalist, noun, adjective
nationalistic, adjective
Word Origin and History for nationalism
n.

1844, "devotion to one's country;" see nationalist + -ism; in some usages from French nationalisme. Earlier it was used in a theological sense of "the doctrine of divine election of nations" (1836). Later it was used in a sense of "doctrine advocating nationalization of a country's industry" (1892).

nationalism in Culture

nationalism definition


The strong belief that the interests of a particular nation-state are of primary importance. Also, the belief that a people who share a common language, history, and culture should constitute an independent nation, free of foreign domination.

Note: Nationalism is opposed to colonialism and imperialism.