popular front

noun

1. a coalition, usually temporary, of leftist and sometimes centrist political parties, formed against a common opponent, as fascism, and promoting social reform.

2. any similar political coalition formed to achieve short-term goals.

popular front

noun

1. (often capital) any of the left-wing groups or parties that were organized from 1935 onwards to oppose the spread of fascism

Word History and Origins

Origin of popular front¹

1935–40; compare Spanish frente popular, French front populaire