McCarthyism

[ muh-kahr-thee-iz-uhm ]

/ məˈkɑr θiˌɪz əm /

Save This Word!

Definition of McCarthyism

noun

the practice of making accusations of disloyalty, especially of pro-Communist activity, in many instances unsupported by proof or based on slight, doubtful, or irrelevant evidence.

the practice of making unfair allegations or using unfair investigative techniques, especially in order to restrict dissent or political criticism.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of McCarthyism

1950, Americanism; after J. R. McCarthy; see -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM McCarthyism

Mc·Car·thy·ite, noun, adjective

Words nearby McCarthyism

McCahon, McCall, McCandless, McCarran-Walter Act, McCarthy, McCarthyism, McCarthy, Joseph R., McCarthy, Mary, McCartney, McCauley, McCay

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use McCarthyism in a sentence

Youngkin’s “tip line” has not led to a new era of teacher McCarthyism.
The Education of Glenn Youngkin|Molly Ball/Richmond, Va.|June 30, 2022|TIme
Anyone who demurred was hounded during the era of McCarthyism.
It wasn’t Richard Nixon who changed relations with China|Kazushi Minami|February 28, 2022|Washington Post
Another propaganda tactic already being mobilized is the false accusations that pro-democracy voices are engaging in some sort of new McCarthyism.
I’m a Former Russian TV Anchor. Fox News Mimics State TV.|Liz Wahl|February 27, 2022|The Daily Beast
On the final day of the convention, he was forced out of the organization he started in fear that, at the height of McCarthyism, the movement and its members could become victims of his Communist past.
These Rebels Fought Conformity in 1950s America—and Are Still Making a Difference Today|James R. Gaines|February 3, 2022|Time

In 1949, as McCarthyism invaded Hollywood, Nancy met with Ronald Reagan, then head of the Screen Actors Guild, for advice on how to distinguish herself from an actress by the same name who had been blacklisted.
On the world stage, Nancy Reagan found the role of a lifetime|Barbara Perry|April 23, 2021|Washington Post
But if the Hagel hearings had exposed a virulent strain of American McCarthyism, who would play the role of McCarthy?
We’re All Joe McCarthy|Michael Moynihan|February 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The alleged Neo-McCarthyism Avishai sees has these supposed pro-Israel bullies calling any critic of Israel an anti-Semite.
The Hagel Finagel: On McCarthyite Attacks|Gil Troy|December 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
McCarthyism was the norm: a threat to democracy laid to rest by the legislative branch of the American government.
No Lobby is More Powerful Than the People|Justin Green|December 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The NRA is certainly less of an evil than slavery, but is it really less ugly than McCarthyism?
No Lobby is More Powerful Than the People|Justin Green|December 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The amendment has a curious backstory involving McCarthyism and hardball Texas politics.
‘Pulpit Freedom Sunday’ Pastors Don’t Care About Religious Freedom|David Sessions|October 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for McCarthyism

McCarthyism

/ (məˈkɑːθɪˌɪzəm) /

noun mainly US

the practice of making unsubstantiated accusations of disloyalty or Communist leanings

the use of unsupported accusations for any purpose

Derived forms of McCarthyism

McCarthyite, noun, adjective

Word Origin for McCarthyism

C20: after Joseph McCarthy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for McCarthyism

McCarthyism

The extreme opposition to communism shown by Senator Joseph R. McCarthy and his supporters in the 1940s and 1950s.

notes for McCarthyism

McCarthyism has become a general term for the hysterical investigation of a government's opponents or the publicizing of accusations against these opponents without sufficient evidence to support the charges.