neutralism

[ noo-truh-liz-uhm, nyoo- ]

noun

1. the policy or advocacy of maintaining strict neutrality in foreign affairs.
2. Biology. the theory that some changes in evolution are governed by random mutations that become fixed in populations by chance rather than by natural selection.

neutralism

/ ˈnjuːtrəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. (in international affairs) the policy, practice, or attitude of neutrality, noninvolvement, or nonalignment with power blocs

Derived Forms

• ˈneutralist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• anti·neutral·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of neutralism¹

First recorded in 1570–80; neutral + -ism

Example Sentences

My neutralism has its limits: I will doggedly follow the progress of England’s national team in the World Cup, which is now under way in Russia.

From The New Yorker

In the cultural arena, Mr. Novak wrote frankly of “radical feminism, gay liberation, utopian socialism and geopolitical neutralism” and “the cheaply radical young graduates of . . . Catholic universities.”

From Washington Post

I say that they stand for neutralism where no such thing is possible or desirable, and I say the hell with it.

From Salon

His chaotic neutralism is a tart rejoinder to America’s childish good v evil mindset.

From The Guardian

But in an age of political neutralism and spin it feels harder for satirists to poke their critical fingers so effectively.

From The Guardian