irredentism
UK[ˌɪrɪˈdentɪzəm]US[ˌɪrɪˈdentɪzəm]
n
a political principle or policy directed toward the incorporation of territories that are historically or ethnically related to a nation but are currently under foreign control.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
redent
ism
in
unredeemed
redent
to redeem, buy back
ism
Etymology
the term 'irredentism' entered english from italian 'irredentismo', which itself derives from 'irredento', meaning 'unredeemed'. the italian word was formed from the latin prefix 'in-' (not) combined with 'redemptus' (redeemed). it originally referred specifically to 19th-century italian political movements that sought to annex neighboring territories considered ethnically italian but held by other powers. the suffix '-ism' was added to denote the associated political doctrine. thus, the literal sense of 'not redeemed' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of a policy aimed at reclaiming or 'redeeming' lost territories to unite a nation.
Analysis
Structure: in + redent + ism
in (latin, prefix meaning 'not' or 'into, toward'; here, from italian 'irredento', meaning 'unredeemed')
redent (latin, from 'redemptus', past participle of 'redimere', meaning 'to redeem, buy back')
ism (greek via latin, noun-forming suffix denoting a distinctive doctrine, theory, or practice)
Examples
the country's foreign policy was heavily influenced by a strong sense of irredentism, focusing on the recovery of its historical borders.
scholars argue that the conflict was fueled more by nationalist irredentism than by economic factors.
the party's platform included a clear clause promoting irredentism, which alarmed neighboring states.