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totalitarianism

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noun to·tal·i·tar·i·an·ism \ (ˌ)tō-ˌta-lə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm \

Definition of totalitarianism

1 :centralized control by an autocratic authority
2 :the political concept that the citizen should be totally subject to an absolute state authority

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Examples of totalitarianism in a Sentence

  1. in times of crisis, when a nation's people are frightened, there are often calls for totalitarianism

Recent Examples of totalitarianism from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'totalitarianism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of totalitarianism

1926

totalitarianism Synonyms

Synonyms
absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism, czarism (also tsarism or tzarism), dictatorship, totalism, despotism, tyranny
Related Words
monarchism, monarchy, monocracy; Big Brother, Big Brotherism, Communism, fascism, Nazism; domination, oppression
Near Antonyms
democracy, self-governance, self-government, self-rule; freedom, self-determination; autonomy, sovereignty (also sovranty)

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Learn More about totalitarianism

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for totalitarianism Spanish Central: Translation of totalitarianism Nglish: Translation of totalitarianism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of totalitarianism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totalitarianism

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Examples: totalitarianism in a Sentence