anschluss
|an-schluss|
/ˈænʃlʊs/
joining; annexation
Etymology
'anschluss' originates from German, specifically the word 'Anschluss', where the prefix 'an-' meant 'to/toward' and 'Schluss' meant 'closing, conclusion'.
'Anschluss' was borrowed into English from German in the late 19th to early 20th century and became prominent in English usage after 1938 when it was used to refer to Austria's annexation by Nazi Germany.
Initially it meant 'joining, connection' in German, but over time in English it became especially associated with the 1938 annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the 1938 annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany (the historical event).
The anschluss of Austria in 1938 is often cited as a key step toward World War II.
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Noun 2
a joining, union, or political annexation (general sense).
In broader use, anschluss can mean any forcible annexation or political union.
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Last updated: 2025/08/19 22:52