statist

¹ American  

[stay-tist] / ˈsteɪ tɪst /

noun

1. an advocate of statism.

---

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a statist or statism.

statist ² American  

[stat-ist] / ˈstæt ɪst /

noun

1. statistician.

---

statist British  

/ ˈsteɪtɪst /

noun

1. an advocate of statism

2. a less common name for a statistician

3. archaic a politician or statesman

---

adjective

1. of, characteristic of, advocating, or relating to statism

Etymology

Origin of statist¹

First recorded in 1575–85; state + -ist

Origin of statist²

Shortened form

---

Explanation

In politics, a statist is someone who believes that a central government should control many aspects of law, the economy, and social policies. Most people labeled statists are in favor of a very strong national government, or state. Politically, the direct opposite of a statist is an anarchist, someone who advocates for a completely stateless society. There are different political systems that can be considered statist, including authoritarianism, a form of government with an absolute ruler, and socialism, in which there is governmental control over industry. What these statist systems have in common is a strong central government.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

statist

The late former premier notably clashed with the current leadership over Xi's consolidation of power and statist approach in 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

It’s a mistake to think that the only way to beat China is to emulate its statist model.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 2, 2026

China analysts will be watching for how the work report balances Mr. Xi’s statist direction with pro-growth rhetoric.

From New York Times ● Mar. 4, 2023

His track record suggests he is likely to favour a more statist approach to economic management, Evans-Pritchard said.

From Reuters ● Oct. 30, 2022

Much remains to be done in the 1990s in dismantling the old statist barriers to growth, extending the recent economic gains, and bringing down the rate of unemployment.

From The 1995 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---