state capitalism

American  

noun

1. a form of capitalism in which the central government controls most of the capital, industry, natural resources, etc.

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state capitalism British  

noun

1. a form of capitalism in which the state owns or controls most of the means of production and other capital: often very similar to state socialism

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Etymology

Origin of state capitalism

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

This is how state capitalism takes root—not in a single dramatic leap, but through a series of interventions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Under this unfolding form of American state capitalism, the U.S. is pushing the boundaries of its legal authority to invest billions of dollars in a growing number of companies in return for stock.

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

Individual rights would have to make room for states' rights; optimism for pessimism; a republic of consumers for an apartheid state; capitalism for feudalism.

From Salon • Sep. 9, 2023

“This crisis goes to the heart of Brazilian state capitalism, the blurring of lines between state economic policies and state benefactors,” said Matthew M. Taylor of the American University School of International Service.

From New York Times • Aug. 7, 2015

The creations of the one, Protestantism, the national state, capitalism, individualism, reached their perfect maturity in the other.

From The Age of the Reformation by Smith, Preserved