revanchist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Political
Quick answer
What does “revanchist” mean?
A person who advocates revenge, especially in the context of seeking to reverse territorial losses or political defeats.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who advocates revenge, especially in the context of seeking to reverse territorial losses or political defeats.
A person or policy characterized by a desire to regain lost territory, status, or power through aggressive means; often used in political/historical contexts to describe nationalist aggression fuelled by past humiliation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in UK discourse regarding European history (e.g., post-WWI Germany). In US discourse, may be applied more broadly to international relations.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties. UK usage may have stronger historical association with 19th/20th century European conflicts. US usage may be more abstractly applied to foreign policy.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both, but understood in educated circles, especially in history/political science contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “revanchist” in a Sentence
[Adj] revanchist policies[N] is a revanchist[V] accused of being revanchistVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revanchist” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He was labelled a revanchist for his calls to reclaim the lost provinces.
- The party was infiltrated by revanchists seeking to overturn the peace settlement.
American English
- The general was the leading revanchist in the cabinet, pushing for a more aggressive stance.
- True revanchists are never satisfied with diplomatic compromises.
adjective
British English
- The historian analysed the revanchist sentiments prevalent in inter-war Germany.
- His speeches were dismissed as mere revanchist propaganda.
American English
- Analysts warned of the regime's revanchist ambitions in the region.
- The treaty was designed to curb revanchist military buildup.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The CEO's revanchist strategy aimed to retake market share lost to competitors.'
Academic
Common in history, political science, and international relations to describe states/politicians seeking to reverse territorial losses.
Everyday
Very rare. Would likely be paraphrased ('wants payback for past losses').
Technical
Specific term in political discourse and analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “revanchist”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “revanchist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revanchist”
- Using it for personal, non-political revenge.
- Confusing it with 'reactionary' (which opposes progress, not necessarily seeks territorial revenge).
- Misspelling as 'revenchist'.
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds jarringly academic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It is a strongly pejorative term in modern usage, implying dangerous and aggressive nostalgia.
Yes, etymologically. It comes from the French 'revanche', meaning revenge or retaliation.
They are closely related. An irredentist specifically seeks to reclaim territory inhabited by co-ethnics. A revanchist's motive is broader revenge for a past defeat, which may or may not involve territorial reclamation.
Very formal. It is primarily used in academic, historical, and high-level political/journalistic discourse. It would sound out of place in casual conversation.
A person who advocates revenge, especially in the context of seeking to reverse territorial losses or political defeats.
Revanchist: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɑːnʃɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvæn(t)ʃɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Drunk on revanchism”
- “The politics of revanche”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REVANCHIST = REVENGE + NATIONALIST. A person who wants national revenge for past defeats.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATION IS A PERSON WRONGED (seeking revenge); POLITICS IS WAR (re-fighting old battles).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'revanchist' MOST appropriately used?