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

Explanation

If the government has complete and absolute power over the people, that's totalitarianism. This is a repressive, unfree type of society. A democracy is a society in which people have a say in their government and elect their leaders. The opposite is totalitarianism: a totalitarian society is usually ruled by a dictator, and there is very little or no freedom. In totalitarianism, the government controls almost every aspect of life. There is no free speech or freedom of the press: certain religions and ideas may be banned. George Orwell's novel 1984 was a brilliant look at a world of totalitarianism.

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 • Sep. 1, 2025

As that description implies, totalitarianism is a crisis of modernization.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2025

Dr Alexandra Stein, a social psychologist and author who specialises in cults and totalitarianism, says it is typical "cult-speak".

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2024

Inside, the tiny library offers a selection of books on dystopian worlds and the dangers of totalitarianism.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2024

But totalitarianism is no less odious to us because we are able to reach some accommodation that reduces the danger of world catastrophe.

From State of the Union Address by Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines)

Related Words

• authoritarianism
• autocracy
• despotism
• tyranny