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Synonyms

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.
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.

Other Word Forms

  • totalitarianist noun

Etymology

Origin of totalitarianism

First recorded in 1920–25; totalitarian + -ism

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2025

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

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2024

Jeffries tells fellow members that they have a responsibility to push back against tyranny, totalitarianism and terror, and to stand with democracies around the world.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2024

Almost 50 years ago, we began a long struggle against aggressive totalitarianism.

From State of the Union Address by Bush, George

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.