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.
McCarthyite
-
a word derived from
McCarthyism.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When, during their prime-time debate Wednesday, Mr. Kaine pointed out, accurately, that there have been no sexual complaints against him, Mr. Stewart replied, with McCarthyite aplomb, “How do we know that?”
From Washington Post ● Sep. 28, 2018
A future government enforces loyalty with a group of telepathic mutants called “teeps,” who also pursue their own McCarthyite agenda.
From The Verge ● Jan. 16, 2018
Her opposition to what she saw as potentially McCarthyite government intrusion into citizens’ privacy earned her a Ms. Woman of the Year distinction in 2003.
From The New Yorker ● Feb. 19, 2017
Although some think the writers were rebelling against a soulless, suburban McCarthyite America, Hopkins says it was more straightforward.
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2014
When the McCarthyite gloom of Fahrenheit 451 fades, it's the pulpy, childlike terrors that stick.
From Slate ● Jun. 6, 2012
