Totalitarianism

usgb/təʊˌtæləˈteriənɪzəm/
noun

A system of government where the state has total control over every aspect of people's lives.

Under the regime's totalitarianism, individuals had no personal freedoms.
Visual representation of "totalitarianism" - A system of government where the state has total control over every aspect of people's lives.

Often appears as...

  • rise of totalitarianism
  • under totalitarianism

Usage tips

Disapproving

Political, Historical

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "totalitarianism"
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Negative Connotation

Totalitarianism has a negative tone; it implies oppression and lack of freedom.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
The novel depicted a bleak future under totalitarianism.
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Political Context

Use 'totalitarianism' when discussing forms of governance, not for general control issues.

Illustration for Political Context
The history class covered the impact of totalitarianism on global politics.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Total Control

'Totalitarianism' refers to control over all aspects of life, not just political.

Illustration for Total Control
Citizens lost the right to free speech under the totalitarianism of the regime.
Word comparison image

Compare with

absolutismauthoritarianautocracydespotismdictatorshipfascismoligarchytyranny
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Visual representation of the word "Totalitarianism"

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