Main Entry: fas·cism

Pronunciation: \ˈfa-ˌshi-zəm also ˈfa-ˌsi-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Italian fascismo, from fascio bundle, fasces, group, from Latin fascis bundle & fasces fasces

Date: 1921

1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
2 : a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control <early instances of army fascism and brutality — J. W. Aldridge>

— fas·cist \-shist also -sist\ noun or adjective often capitalized

— fas·cis·tic \fa-ˈshis-tik also -ˈsis-\ adjective often capitalized

— fas·cis·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb often capitalized