totalitarian

American  

[toh-tal-i-tair-ee-uhn] / toʊˌtæl ɪˈtɛər i ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to a centralized government that does not tolerate parties of differing opinion and that exercises dictatorial control over many aspects of life.

2. exercising control over the freedom, will, or thought of others; authoritarian; autocratic.

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noun

1. an adherent of totalitarianism.

totalitarian British  

/ təʊˌtælɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of, denoting, relating to, or characteristic of a dictatorial one-party state that regulates every realm of life

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noun

1. a person who advocates or practises totalitarian policies

Other Word Forms

• antitotalitarian adjective
• nontotalitarian adjective
• totalitarianism noun

Etymology

Origin of totalitarian

First recorded in 1925–30; totalit(y) + -arian

Example Sentences

Ms. Grage took issue with the partnership because she felt that a “totalitarian government” should not be rewarded with a city partnership.

From New York Times

In the play, the totalitarian city-state pushes the elders out of existence, and she, along with her memories of L.A., are at risk of disappearing.

From Los Angeles Times

Sounds like we’re discussing an Olympic sport rather than determining whether the future belongs to free nations or totalitarian dictatorships.

From Washington Times

His ninth-grade civics teacher, Mrs. Ellison, who had flunked his mom and ran her class like a totalitarian despot, also taught him the value of freedom of speech, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Borne Sulinowo, he believes, needs to survive as a “unique place built by the two most brutal totalitarian systems of the last century” — and as a reminder of where such systems lead.

From New York Times

Related Words

• authoritarian
• autocratic
• monolithic
• oppressive
• tyrannical