Dictionary definition of “Westoxification”

Westoxification

n. the financial, cultural, or military reliance on the West by non-Western societies. Subjects: English, Politics

Editorial Note: The term probably originated in Iran, where in Farsi it is gharbzadegi. Jalal Al-e Ahmad is sometimes credited with coining or popularizing it.

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Citations: 1980 Don A. Schance @ Tehran Los Angeles Times (Apr. 24) “New Soviet Links to Iran” p. 1: The Iranian government, in the words of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, has condemned both “Westoxification and Eastoxification.” 1980 Tony Clifton Time (US) (May 5) “Iran’s Growing Turmoil” p. 42: Recently, Khomeini declared that he wanted “no Westoxification and no Eastoxification,” but the trend seems to be more anti-Western than anti-Eastern. 1991 Houston Chronicle (Texas) (Jan. 26) “Understanding Islam/Important Concepts” p. 1: Westernization—The attempt to adapt to modern conditions through uncritical imitation of Western institutions and culture. Some modern Islamic revivalists condemn it as “Westomania” or “Westoxification.” 1998 John L. Esposito Islam: The Straight Path (Jan. 1) 3 ed., p. 179: Both shared common concerns about political freedom, the dangers of military and economic dependence on the United States, and the threat of cultural alienation due to the Westernization of Iranian education and society—what one secular intellectual termed “Westoxification” or “Westruckness,” that is, indiscriminate borrowing from and dependence upon the West. 2006 Bhaskar Dasgupta Hindustan Times (India) (Jan. 30) “Iranian nuclear issue”: It will give them more money from the sky rocketing oil prices and crush the little bit of westernisation or as they call it “westoxification” which is present.

Posted 8 Feb 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend