adjective

revanchist

rih-VAN-chist

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Revanchist (adjective) means seeking revenge or supporting retaliation, especially by a nation against one that previously defeated it. Example: “The speech was criticised as dangerously revanchist.”

adjective

Seeking revenge or supporting retaliation, especially by a nation against one that previously defeated it.

"The speech was criticised as dangerously revanchist."

"Historians described the movement's aims as revanchist."

"Analysts worried the policy reflected a revanchist mindset."

noun

A person who seeks revenge or supports retaliatory action, especially on behalf of a defeated nation.

"The politician was labelled a revanchist by his opponents."

"Revanchists called for the return of the lost territory."

"The article traced the rise of revanchists within the party."

How to use revanchist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWanting to get revenge or take back what was lost, especially after a national defeat.

When to use it

It applies to nations, movements or policies driven by a desire to reverse a past defeat, not to personal grudges.

Memory tip

Break it into revanche (revenge) plus -ist, the same pattern as 'activist' or 'socialist'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

revanchist policy revanchist rhetoric revanchist ambitions

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “revanchist” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The speech was criticised as dangerously _____.

Etymology

Revanchist comes from French revanchiste, itself built from revanche, meaning revenge, with the suffix -ist added to name a person or supporter of that stance.

Origin: French

Frequently asked questions

What does revanchist mean?

It describes someone, or a policy, aimed at seeking revenge or retaliation, especially over territory or a past defeat.

Where does the word revanchist come from?

It comes from the French word revanche, meaning revenge, plus the suffix -ist.

What's an example of revanchist aims?

The term originated with French anger over losing Alsace-Lorraine to Germany after the Franco-Prussian War, and is now applied more broadly to similar drives to reclaim lost territory or status.

What is the meaning of revanchist?

"revanchist" (adjective) means seeking revenge or supporting retaliation, especially by a nation against one that previously defeated it.