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Manifest destiny
noun, verb, slang
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The political doctrine or belief held by the United States of America, particularly during its expansion, that the nation was obviously destined to expand toward the west. uncountable
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of manifest destiny. alt-of, uncountable
- 3 a policy of imperialism rationalized as inevitable (as if granted by God) wordnet
- 4 The political doctrine or belief held by many citizens of the United States of America that their system is best, and the idea that all humans would like to become Americans. uncountable
"Near-synonym: American exceptionalism"
- 5 The belief that God supports the expansion of the United States of America throughout the entire North American continent except Mexico. uncountable
Verb
- 1 To exercise and realize manifest destiny; to enable the cultural and political expansion of the United States of America. informal
"The Homestead Acts allowed millions of settlers to populate unclaimed land and manifest destiny out on the frontier."
Etymology
Etymology 1
Popularly attributed to newspaper editor John O'Sullivan (1813–1895). The phrase was first used primarily by Jackson Democrats in the 1840s to promote the annexation of much of what is now the Western United States.
Etymology 2
Popularly attributed to newspaper editor John O'Sullivan (1813–1895). The phrase was first used primarily by Jackson Democrats in the 1840s to promote the annexation of much of what is now the Western United States.
See also for "manifest destiny"
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