Orwellian

American  

[awr-wel-ee-uhn] / ɔrˈwɛl i ən /

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or resembling the literary work of George Orwell or the totalitarian future described in his antiutopian novel 1984 (1949).

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Etymology

Origin of Orwellian

1945–50; after G. Orwell ( def. ) + -ian

Example Sentences

Again and again his terrified sources, after bemoaning the Orwellian climate of the book business, beg him for reassurance that they will not be named in print.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

In Leavitt’s usage, “transparency” has become a form of Orwellian “doublespeak,” a word or phrase which through the process of “doublethink” had come to encompass its exact opposite meaning.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

However, civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch branded the scheme "Orwellian" and urged MPs to reject plans.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

Beers, who was surprised by the win, said the world “seems to become slightly more Orwellian with each passing day.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2025

It is assumed they were placed like so many stone sentinels for maximum Orwellian impact: the king is here, the king is watching you.*

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann