Orwellian
adjective
Related to the dystopian ideals portrayed in George Orwell's novels, especially related to totalitarian or authoritarian governments, surveillance, distortions of the truth, and manipulation of the past.
Many consider the amount of surveillance in today's society to be orwellian.
Often appears as...
- orwellian dystopia
- orwellian future
Usage tips
Literary
adjective
Used to describe a policy or action as destructive or harmful while being presented as beneficial, similar to Orwell's concept of 'doublethink'.
The government's orwellian strategy to control information has caused unrest among the public.
Often appears as...
- orwellian strategy
- orwellian propaganda
adjective
Related to the dystopian ideals portrayed in George Orwell's novels, especially related to totalitarian or authoritarian governments, surveillance, distortions of the truth, and manipulation of the past.
Many consider the amount of surveillance in today's society to be orwellian.
Often appears as...
- orwellian dystopia
- orwellian future
Usage tips
Literary
adjective
Used to describe a policy or action as destructive or harmful while being presented as beneficial, similar to Orwell's concept of 'doublethink'.
The government's orwellian strategy to control information has caused unrest among the public.
Often appears as...
- orwellian strategy
- orwellian propaganda
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Dystopian Origin
Understand that 'orwellian' describes scenarios resembling the oppressive societies in Orwell's fictional works.
After the new laws were passed, some critics described the country as an orwellian society.
Pro Tip 2/3Big Brother
Remember 'Big Brother' from Orwell's '1984' when thinking of 'orwellian' as a reference to intrusive surveillance.
The city's new monitoring system felt disturbingly orwellian to its residents.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Critique
Use 'orwellian' to critique aspects of society or governance that seem misleading, oppressive, or unethical.
The speech was criticized for its orwellian message that war was necessary for peace.
Pro Tip 1/3Dystopian Origin
Understand that 'orwellian' describes scenarios resembling the oppressive societies in Orwell's fictional works.
After the new laws were passed, some critics described the country as an orwellian society.
Pro Tip 2/3Big Brother
Remember 'Big Brother' from Orwell's '1984' when thinking of 'orwellian' as a reference to intrusive surveillance.
The city's new monitoring system felt disturbingly orwellian to its residents.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Critique
Use 'orwellian' to critique aspects of society or governance that seem misleading, oppressive, or unethical.
The speech was criticized for its orwellian message that war was necessary for peace.
Pro Tip 1/3Dystopian Origin
Understand that 'orwellian' describes scenarios resembling the oppressive societies in Orwell's fictional works.
After the new laws were passed, some critics described the country as an orwellian society.
Pro Tip 2/3Big Brother
Remember 'Big Brother' from Orwell's '1984' when thinking of 'orwellian' as a reference to intrusive surveillance.
The city's new monitoring system felt disturbingly orwellian to its residents.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Critique
Use 'orwellian' to critique aspects of society or governance that seem misleading, oppressive, or unethical.
The speech was criticized for its orwellian message that war was necessary for peace.
Compare with
authoritariancensoriousdespoticdictatorialdystopianoppressiverestrictivetotalitarian
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Video examples
Ed Yong: Suicidal wasps,...
so sinister and so compelling. We place such a premium on our free will and our independence that the prospect of losing those qualities to forces unseen informs many of our deepest societal fears. Orwellian dystopias and shadowy cabals
Video examples
Ed Yong: Suicidal wasps,...
so sinister and so compelling. We place such a premium on our free will and our independence that the prospect of losing those qualities to forces unseen informs many of our deepest societal fears. Orwellian dystopias and shadowy cabals
Example 1 of 1
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