Stalinism

[ stah-luh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. the principles of communism associated with Joseph Stalin, characterized especially by the extreme suppression of dissident political or ideological views, the concentration of power in one person, and an aggressive international policy.

Stalinism

/ ˈstɑːlɪˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the theory and form of government associated with Stalin: a variant of Marxism-Leninism characterized by totalitarianism, rigid bureaucracy, and loyalty to the state

Stalinism

1. The form of Marxism associated with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin . Stalinism emphasizes the repression of all dissent, often by brutal means; a rigid adherence to government management of economic life; and the domination of all communist movements worldwide by the Soviet Union . In holding to these beliefs, Stalin opposed Leon Trotsky . ( See Trotskyism .)

Derived Forms

• ˈStalinist, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Stalinism¹

First recorded in 1925–30; Stalin + -ism

Example Sentences

But the anti-Stalinism competes with half-baked fantasies about a better tomorrow.

From The Daily Beast

He is a great historian of Stalinism who has been celebrated by colleagues on the left and right.

From The Daily Beast

And she completely unflappable, transitioning between discussions of sex toys and Stalinism with the ease of a true polymath.

From The Daily Beast

And right now, the passion is with those who consider health-care reform to be a slippery slope toward Stalinism.

From The Daily Beast