revisionism

[ ri-vizh-uh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. advocacy or approval of revision.
2. any departure from Marxist doctrine, theory, or practice, especially the tendency to favor reform above revolutionary change.
3. a departure from any authoritative or generally accepted doctrine, theory, practice, etc.

revisionism

/ rɪˈvɪʒəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. sometimes capital
   1. a moderate, nonrevolutionary version of Marxism developed in Germany around 1900
   2. (in Marxist-Leninist ideology) any dangerous departure from the true interpretation of Marx's teachings
2. the advocacy of revision of some political theory, religious doctrine, historical or critical interpretation, etc
3. usually capital an ultra-nationalist form of Zionism that arose in Palestine in the 1940s

Derived Forms

• reˈvisionist, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of revisionism¹

First recorded in 1900–05; revision + -ism

Example Sentences

“Russia’s imperialistic ambitions and aggressive revisionism are pushing Moscow toward a direct confrontation with NATO, with the West and, ultimately, with the whole free world.”

From New York Times

Even more fatefully, Barnes forever conjoined World War II revisionism with right-wing extremism and Holocaust denial.

From Salon

“The honor and integrity of our offices should never be compromised by the shadow of hate or revisionism,” the caucus letter said.

From Salon

“We adamantly reject any attempt to diminish, misrepresent, or justify antisemitism, Nazi crimes against humanity or historical revisionism vis-à-vis the Holocaust,” the letter added.

From Seattle Times

High prices and Trump’s revisionism are making it hard for President Biden to change the public’s mind about the economy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blasphemy
• fallacy