Revanchist Meaning and Definition
Revanchist
Pronunciation
/rɪˈvæntʃɪst/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who aggressively seeks to regain something that was lost or taken away, often characterized by a strong sense of resentment and desire for revenge.
Examples
- The former CEO vowed to be a revanchist, seeking revenge against those who wronged him.
- The revanchist politician promised to restore the country’s lost prestige and glory.
- The team’s revanchist strategy focused on regaining control of lost territory.
Synonyms
- Avenger
- Vindicator
Antonyms
- Peacemaker
- Forgiver
Additional Information
Revanchism is a political ideology that emphasizes the need to regain lost territories, resources, or prestige. The term is often associated with extreme nationalist or fascist movements. In everyday life, revanchism can manifest as a strong desire for revenge or a need to restore one’s reputation.
Revanchist movements often use nationalist rhetoric to garner support, emphasizing the idea that a nation or group must regain its lost greatness in order to thrive.
However, revanchism can also be seen as a flawed and dangerous ideology, as it often ignores the rights and interests of others and contributes to a cycle of violence and resentment.
Etymology
The term “Revanchist” comes from the French word “revanche”, meaning “revenge”. It originated in the late 19th century and was initially used to describe the French Revanchist Movement, a political and military effort to reclaim Alsace-Lorraine from Germany after the Franco-Prussian War.
Usage Notes
When using the term “Revanchist”, it’s essential to consider the context and implications. Avoid using it as a blanket term to describe anyone who seeks to regain something; instead, focus on the specific circumstances and motivations behind the revanchist behavior.
Cultural References
Revanchism has been explored in various forms of media, including films like “The Lives of Others” and “The Counterfeiters”, which critique the ideology and its consequences.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To seek revenge” is an idiomatic expression that fits the revanchist ideology, emphasizing the desire to regain something lost or taken away.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words and phrases include “revenge”, “retaliation”, “counterattack”, and “vindication”, all of which convey the idea of regaining or exacting something.
Collocations
Revanchist is often collocated with words like “nationalist”, “fascist”, and “extremist”, highlighting the political and ideological connotations of the term.
Frequency of Use
Revanchist is a rare term in everyday language, but it’s gaining popularity in academic and political discourse due to its relevance to contemporary issues like nationalism and identity politics.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “Revanchist” include “Revanchist”, “Revanchist”, and “Revanchita”, highlighting the need for careful attention to spelling and pronunciation.