un-americanism
Definition
Noun: The quality or state of being considered contrary to or incompatible with the principles, customs, or interests of the United States; actions, beliefs, or attitudes that are perceived as unpatriotic or disloyal to American values.
Usage Examples
- (The committee looked into claims that certain behaviors or ideas were opposed to American norms.)
- (Some people claim that restricting speech goes against American ideals.)
- (The politician was charged with holding views contrary to American traditions.)
Advanced Usage
"to be charged with un-americanism": to be formally accused of acting against American interests or values.
- Many artists were charged with un-americanism in the 1950s. (Many artists were formally accused of opposing American culture or government.)
"a climate of un-americanism": an atmosphere in which certain ideas or people are labeled as un-American.
- The term "un-americanism" was used to create a climate of fear and conformity. (The word was used to pressure people to conform to mainstream American views.)
Variants and Related Words
- Un-American (adj): not in accordance with American characteristics, customs, or principles.
- The policy was considered un-American by many citizens. (The policy was seen as opposing American values.)
- Anti-Americanism (n): hostility or opposition to the United States or its policies.
- Anti-Americanism has grown in some regions due to foreign policy decisions. (Hostility toward the U.S. has increased.)
Synonyms
- Disloyalty: lack of loyalty or allegiance to one's country.
- Treason (in extreme cases): the crime of betraying one's country.
- Unpatriotism: lack of patriotism or love for one's country.
Related Idioms
"to be out of step with America": to hold views or act in a way that is not aligned with mainstream American culture.
- His radical ideas were out of step with America, leading to accusations of un-americanism. (His ideas were not in harmony with typical American thinking.)
"to fly in the face of American values": to openly oppose or contradict fundamental American principles.
- The proposal flew in the face of American values, prompting charges of un-americanism. (The proposal directly contradicted American ideals.)