antiforeign

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Opposed to foreign people, influences, or cultures: "antiforeign" describes a stance, attitude, or policy that is hostile or resistant to things considered foreign, such as people from other countries, foreign trade, cultural imports, or international ideas.
    • Nationalistic or isolationist: Often used to characterize movements or sentiments that prioritize domestic interests and reject external involvement.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:
    • The government’s antiforeign policies restricted trade with other nations. (The policies opposed foreign economic influence.)
    • Antiforeign sentiment grew during the period of economic hardship. (Hostility toward foreigners increased.)
    • The protest was driven by antiforeign rhetoric against immigrant workers. (The speech was against foreign workers.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Antiforeign bias": a prejudice or inclination against foreign elements.

    • The media was accused of having an antiforeign bias in its coverage of international affairs. (The reporting showed a negative slant toward foreign matters.)

  • "Antiforeign backlash": a strong negative reaction against foreign presence or influence.

    • The influx of foreign products led to an antiforeign backlash among local manufacturers. (Local producers reacted with hostility.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Antiforeigner (adj/n): specifically opposed to foreign people (often used interchangeably with "antiforeign").

    • The antiforeigner laws targeted non-citizens. (The laws were directed at foreign individuals.)

  • Antiforeignism (n): the ideology or practice of being opposed to foreign influences.

    • Antiforeignism was a key theme in the political campaign. (The opposition to foreign ideas was central.)
Synonyms
  • Xenophobic: having a fear or hatred of foreigners or foreign things.
  • Isolationist: favoring a policy of remaining apart from the affairs of other countries.
  • Nationalistic: emphasizing national interests over international cooperation, often to the point of hostility.
Antonyms
  • Cosmopolitan: open to and inclusive of foreign influences.
  • Internationalist: supporting cooperation and exchange between nations.
Related Idioms

  • "Closed-door policy": a policy of excluding foreign involvement or trade.

    • The country adopted a closed-door policy, which was deeply antiforeign in nature. (It shut out foreign interactions.)

  • "Fortress mentality": a defensive attitude that views foreign elements as threats.

    • The fortress mentality led to antiforeign regulations. (The defensive mindset caused opposition to outsiders.)