regime

American  

[ruh-zheem, rey-, -jeem] / rəˈʒim, reɪ-, -ˈdʒim /

Or régime

noun

1. a mode or system of rule or government.

   a dictatorial regime.

2. a ruling or prevailing system.

3. a government in power.

4. the period during which a particular government or ruling system is in power.

5. Medicine/Medical. regimen.

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regime British  

/ reɪˈʒiːm /

noun

1. a system of government or a particular administration

   a fascist regime

   the regime of Fidel Castro

2. a social system or order

3. med another word for regimen

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regime Cultural  

1. An administration, or a system of managing government.

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Etymology

Origin of regime

First recorded in 1770–80; from French régime, from Latin regimen regimen

Explanation

A regime is the ruling government of a country. The amount of freedom and restriction that citizens of a country have can change from regime to regime. Regime takes its militaristic and government feel from the Latin word regimen "to rule." A political regime has a negative association to it that makes you think of totalitarian governments. How did it come to mean "diet" or "program of exercise" as well? If you are put on a regime of exercise and healthy eating, you are ordered by a doctor to do these things and it probably feels like you're being ruled sometimes!

Related Words

• administration
• establishment
• government
• management
• reign
• rule
• system