nativist meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

nativist

noun

Etymology From native + -ist.

An advocate of nativism.

The growers’ rebellion against E-Verify, and Mr. Smith’s contortions to buy them off, is further proof that the country cannot live without immigrant labor—no matter what the nativists may claim.2011 October 27, “So Much for the Nativists”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 08 Jun 2025:
In short, mainstream parties no longer offer an element that every successful political project requires: a promise of a better world. But nativists still offer it. They solve the problem of climate change by pretending it doesn't exist.2025 October 11, Simon Kuper, “A utopian future is still, just about, possible”, in FT Weekend (Life & Arts section), London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 20:

adj

Etymology From native + -ist.

Related to nativism.

When you add the unprecedented engagement of growing numbers of Latino voters in 2008, it becomes clear that the nativist path is the path to permanent political irrelevance. Unless you can find a way to get rid of all the Latinos.2009 February 1, “The Nativists Are Restless”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 30 Jan 2013:
“I would describe it as isolationist, protectionist and, to a certain extent, nativist,” Mr. Bush said in an interview on NBC’s “Today” show that aired on Tuesday, promoting his new book of paintings and essays honoring immigrants in America.2021 April 20, Glenn Thrush, quoting George W. Bush, “George W. Bush calls the current G.O.P. ‘isolationist, protectionist’ and ‘nativist.’”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 23 Apr 2021:

2 more examples

Alchemizing media power into political influence, Mr. Carlson stands in a nativist American tradition that runs from Father Coughlin to Patrick J. Buchanan.2022 April 30, Nicholas Confessore, “How Tucker Carlson Stoked White Fear to Conquer Cable”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 30 Apr 2022:
Most Britons and most elected officials have recoiled at the anti-immigrant violence, indicating that for now, it has hurt the nativist cause more than helped it.2024 August 8, Amanda Taub, “Trying to Capitalize on Anti-Migrant Riots Could Backfire on U.K.’s Far Right”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 08 Aug 2024: