[pruh-tek-shuh-niz-uh
m] 
| 1. | Economics. the theory, practice, or system of fostering or developing domestic industries by protecting them from foreign competition through duties or quotas imposed on importations. |
| 2. | any program, policy, or system of laws that seeks to provide protection for property owners, wildlife, the environment, etc. |
| pro·tec·tion·ism (prə-těk'shə-nĭz'əm) n. The advocacy, system, or theory of protecting domestic producers by impeding or limiting, as by tariffs or quotas, the importation of foreign goods and services. pro·tec'tion·ist n. |
Protectionism
Actions taken by a government to prevent imports from destroying domestic producers.
Investopedia Commentary
Governments that impose tariffs, quotas, or any other type of tax on imports are taking on a policy of protectionism.
Related Links
What Is The World Trade Organization?
What Is International Trade?
protectionism