rogue nation
4
7.7
- noun
- /roʊɡ ˈneɪʃən/
- Literature
:
nación rebelde
- Sanctions were imposed on the rogue nation due to its blatant disregard for international laws.
We have had enough of every third thing coming out of his mouth serving the goals of the terrorists like ISIS and the rogue nations like Russia.
- We have had enough of every third thing coming out of his mouth serving the goals of the terrorists like ISIS and the rogue nations like Russia.
Examples
-
And what is the world going to do about this bullying, rogue nation and its plans to control the world, plans that will be pushed along by whichever President is elected?
Blog text (17) -
For the present at least, covert action should be used primarily with respect to rogue nations and WMD and proliferation concerns.
Academic text (1996) -
As far as I am concerned, we then become just another rogue nation that abandoned its very foundation and principles.
Blog text (9) -
Supporting a rogue nation is detrimental to our nation's security and credibility around the world too.
Blog text (17) -
Any rogue nation or faction that desires can easily obtain weapons of this sort.
Academic text (1999) -
Thus, U.S. intelligence resources should be increasingly shifted to detect, monitor, and counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery, especially to rogue nations.
Academic text (1996) -
It was on alert for intercontinental ballistic missiles which, if fired from rogue nations such as North Korea, will strike North America in 23 minutes.
Blog text (16) -
By the same logic, Washington may seek to reassure Beijing that its plan for ballistic missile defense is intended strictly for rogue nations such as North Korea.
Academic text (2003) -
The potential for proliferation to rogue nations and others of both weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them (ballistic and cruise missiles, etc.) is of major concern to the United States.
Academic text (1996) -
The international community is concerned about the actions of the rogue nation that continues to violate human rights.
Synonyms
8
7.7
A country that breaks international rules and ignores agreements
A state that breaks international rules and acts against other countries
Antonyms
How Responsible
- Literature
4
7.7
- Literature
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a country that behaves badly or dishonestly' can be reasonably inferred by a learner who knows 'rogue' (a dishonest/misbehaving person) and 'nation' (country), so the general sense is accessible. However, the extension from an individual 'rogue' to a state's international conduct (e.g., disregarding laws or norms) is a metaphorical and conventionalized shift that may not be fully predictable for a B1 learner, so it’s not fully transparent.
Etymology
Rogue nation may come from calling a person a rogue — a wild or dishonest person who breaks rules and acts alone — and then using that image for a nation. So rogue nation means a country that behaves badly and 'does not follow international rules'.