communism

[ kom-yuh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state.
2. (often initial capital letter) a system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party.
3. (initial capital letter) the principles and practices of the Communist Party.
4. communalism.

communism

/ ˈkɒmjʊˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. advocacy of a classless society in which private ownership has been abolished and the means of production and subsistence belong to the community
2. any social, economic, or political movement or doctrine aimed at achieving such a society
3. usually capital a political movement based upon the writings of Marx that considers history in terms of class conflict and revolutionary struggle, resulting eventually in the victory of the proletariat and the establishment of a socialist order based on public ownership of the means of production See also Marxism Marxism-Leninism socialism
4. usually capital a social order or system of government established by a ruling Communist Party, esp in the former Soviet Union
5. often capital any leftist political activity or thought, esp when considered to be subversive
6. communal living; communalism

communism

1. An economic and social system envisioned by the nineteenth-century German scholar Karl Marx (see also Marx ). In theory, under communism, all means of production are owned in common, rather than by individuals ( see Marxism and Marxism-Leninism ). In practice, a single authoritarian party controls both the political and economic systems. In the twentieth century, communism was associated with the economic and political systems of China and the Soviet Union and of the satellites of the Soviet Union. ( Compare capitalism and socialism .)

Other Words From

• anti·commu·nism noun
• pro·commun·ism noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of communism¹

From the French word communisme, dating back to 1835–45. See common, -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of communism¹

C19: from French communisme, from commun common

Example Sentences

His witch hunt had to be conducted in the name of saving the country from communism.

From Salon

Often described as Europe's "last dictator", he has tried to preserve elements of Soviet communism.

From BBC

If everyone were the same, you would have communism.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the previous left-wing Peronist government, Argentina enjoyed close relations with Cuba, backing the end of the economic embargo, which the US imposed in the 1960s when Cuba adopted communism.

From BBC

His strident views on communism often clashed with Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent approach to defeat their common adversary.

From BBC

Related Words

• socialism