nativist

Meanings

1. 1nouncountabledisapproving

   A person who wants to protect the interests of those born in a country and limit immigration.

   Grammar: Countable; plural is 'nativists'. Often used in political contexts and can carry a critical tone.

   Patterns

   • a nativist
   • nativists who ...

   The nativist argued that jobs should go to citizens first.

   Nativists in the party pushed for stricter border controls.

   She was called a nativist for opposing the new immigration policy.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noundisapproving

   Relating to the belief that people born in a country should be favored over immigrants.

   Grammar: Used before a noun, as in 'nativist policies' or 'nativist rhetoric'.

   Patterns

   • nativist policies
   • nativist rhetoric

   The candidate's nativist rhetoric worried many voters.

   Nativist policies often target immigrants and refugees.

   The article criticized the nativist tone of the debate.

Word forms

Common combinations

nativist rhetoric

The speech was full of nativist rhetoric that divided the audience.

nativist policies

Nativist policies can make it harder for skilled workers to enter the country.

nativist sentiment

Nativist sentiment grew during the economic crisis.

nativist movement

The nativist movement gained support in rural areas.

Synonyms and how they differ

nationalist

Broader: a nationalist may focus on national identity or independence, while a nativist specifically favors people born in the country over immigrants.

xenophobe

Stronger and more negative: a xenophobe fears or hates foreigners, whereas a nativist may simply want to protect local interests.

Opposites

Word family

nativism noun

The belief or policy of favoring native-born people over immigrants.

Commonly confused: nativist or native?

Practice

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