Definition of totalitarian
1a : of or relating to centralized control by an autocratic leader or hierarchy : authoritarian, dictatorial; especially : despoticb : of or relating to a political regime based on subordination of the individual to the state and strict control of all aspects of the life and productive capacity of the nation especially by coercive measures (such as censorship and terrorism)
2a : advocating or characteristic of totalitarianismb : completely regulated by the state especially as an aid to national mobilization in an emergencyc : exercising autocratic powers
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Origin and Etymology of totalitarian
Italian totalitario, from totalità totality
Other Government and Politics Terms
totalitarian
Definition of totalitarian
: an advocate or practitioner of totalitarianism
First Known Use of totalitarian
circa 1934
Other Government and Politics Terms
TOTALITARIAN Defined for English Language Learners
totalitarian
playDefinition of totalitarian for English Language Learners
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: controlling the people of a country in a very strict way with complete power that cannot be opposed
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See words that rhyme with totalitarian Spanish Central: Translation of totalitarian Nglish: Translation of totalitarian for Spanish speakers
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