Orwellian
/ɔːrˈweliən/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
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.
Compare with
authoritariancensoriousdespoticdictatorialdystopianoppressiverestrictivetotalitarian
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