1. a policy of favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants
Usage: political
2. the theory that concepts, mental capacities, and mental structures are innate rather than acquired through experience
Usage: philosophy; psychology

Examples

• The politician’s nativism appealed to voters concerned about immigration.
• Nativism has influenced immigration policy throughout American history.
• The rise of nativism led to restrictions on foreign workers.
• Chomsky’s theory of language acquisition reflects linguistic nativism.
• The debate between nativism and empiricism continues in developmental psychology.
• Nativist movements often emerge during economic downturns.
• The philosopher argued against nativism in favor of learned behavior.