totalitarianism

American  

[toh-tal-i-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm] / toʊˌtæl ɪˈtɛər i əˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. the practices and principles of a totalitarian regime.

2. absolute control by the state or a governing branch of a highly centralized institution.

3. the character or quality of an autocratic or authoritarian individual, group, or government.

   the totalitarianism of the father.

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totalitarianism Cultural  

1. Domination by a government of all political, social, and economic activities in a nation. Totalitarianism is a phenomenon of the twentieth century: earlier forms of despotism and autocracy lacked the technical capacity to control every aspect of life. The term is applied both to fascist governments (see fascism) and to many forms of communism.

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Other Word Forms

• totalitarianist noun

Etymology

Origin of totalitarianism

First recorded in 1920–25; totalitarian + -ism

Compare meaning

How does totalitarianism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• fascism vs. totalitarianism
• totalitarianism vs. dictatorship

Example Sentences

George Orwell’s 1939 novel, “Coming Up for Air,” tells the story of an unremarkable suburban London householder who is seized with a feeling of overwhelming dread by the looming terrors of war and totalitarianism.

From Salon

Whereas authoritarianism may leave society outside the political realm more or less intact, totalitarianism makes a total claim on civil society.

From Salon

The works of Hannah Arendt on totalitarianism and obedience are essential readings as well, especially her classic book On the Origins of Totalitarianism.

From Salon

Under competitive authoritarianism, and even under fully autocratic totalitarianism, ruling leaders often carry a lot of support from the mass public.

From Salon

Shore, who researches totalitarianism in Eastern Europe, said that she had felt similarly but had made her decision in December or January.

From Salon

Related Words

• authoritarianism
• autocracy
• despotism
• tyranny