regime
Americannoun
-
a mode or system of rule or government.
a dictatorial regime.
-
a ruling or prevailing system.
-
a government in power.
-
the period during which a particular government or ruling system is in power.
-
Medicine/Medical. regimen.
noun
-
a system of government or a particular administration
a fascist regime
the regime of Fidel Castro
-
a social system or order
-
med another word for regimen
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!
Vocabulary lists containing regime
"Bonne Annee," Vocabulary from the personal essay
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Persepolis
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
President Trump's Second State of the Union Address (2019)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The benefits included helping enhance the work of counter-proliferation coalitions like the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026
Appeared in the January 21, 2026, print edition as 'Iran’s Regime Defends Its Crackdown'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026
Regime insiders suspected him of being a wolf in sheep's clothing, waiting in the wings for the right moment.
From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026
After making a splash at the 1925 fair, the piece was later transferred to the Élysée Palace, home to the French president, before slipping into the French national collections during the Vichy Regime.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025
An All-round Regime Other examples might be given of ascribing ailments and disabilities to the less important instead of the more important causes.
From How to Live Rules for Healthful Living Based on Modern Science by Fisher, Irving
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
