patriotism

[ pey-tree-uh-tiz-uhmor, especially British, pa- ]

noun

1. devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.

patriotism

/ ˈpætrɪəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. devotion to one's own country and concern for its defence Compare nationalism

Other Words From

• anti·patri·ot·ism noun
• hyper·patri·ot·ism noun
• over·patri·ot·ism noun
• pro·patri·ot·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of patriotism¹

First recorded in 1720–30; patriot + -ism

Example Sentences

“A lot of people were fed up with the last four years, but this says that people don’t think past themselves. It is their need to put party over country for perceived patriotism. I’m a straight white guy. I’ll probably be fine. But what about people who aren’t straight and white?”

From Los Angeles Times

Trump accused them of a lack of patriotism and clashed with a number of top US sports stars - including NBA legends LeBron James and Stephen Curry, and footballer Megan Rapinoe - with some teams rejecting invitations to the White House in protest at his policies.

From BBC

After nine years of this, it’s hard to remember that there were days when the biggest differences between presidential candidates were run-of-the-mill policy platforms, when candidates were too scared to openly threaten democratic norms, when being indicted for trying to overthrow an election would not be considered a mark of patriotism, when we could confidently expect the results of an election to stand.

From Slate

“Instead of having a dignity and patriotism and a sense of morality, these are really sick people,” Gingrich continued.

From Salon

Liberal elites have grown blind to the visceral power of patriotism, especially among working-class people.

From Salon

Related Words

• loyalty
• nationalism