Patriotism

Patriotism

Noun · /ˈpeɪtriətɪzəm/ · love of one's country

Definition

A deep devotion to and vigorous support of one's country. Patriotism involves pride in national identity, willingness to defend shared values, and emotional attachment to the land, culture, and people of one's homeland. It can be quiet and reflective or loud and demonstrative — the word covers the entire spectrum.

Origin

From Greek patriōtēs (fellow countryman), derived from patris (fatherland), itself from patēr (father). Entered English in the early seventeenth century via French patriote. The abstract noun patriotism solidified in English during the eighteenth century, when political philosophers began debating the nature of national loyalty. Samuel Johnson famously called it "the last refuge of a scoundrel" — not condemning patriotism itself, but the cynical use of patriotic language to justify selfish actions.