The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

totalitarianism

IPA:

Dictionary definition of totalitarianism

A political system or ideology characterized by centralized and absolute control over all aspects of public and private life.
"The totalitarian regime relied on surveillance to monitor and control its citizens."

Detailed meaning of totalitarianism

Totalitarianism seeks to exercise complete authority and dominance over individuals, suppressing their freedom of thought, expression, and association. It often involves a single ruling party or leader with unlimited power, and institutions such as the government, media, and judiciary are subject to strict control or manipulation. Totalitarian regimes employ tactics such as censorship, propaganda, surveillance, and repression to maintain control and silence opposition. Individuals are expected to conform to the ideology of the ruling party, and dissent is heavily punished. Totalitarianism aims to create a society where the state exercises total power and individuals are subservient to the collective interests of the regime. It is an oppressive system that rejects individual liberties and places the government at the center of all aspects of society.

Example sentences containing totalitarianism

1. The citizens lived in constant fear under the oppressive rule of totalitarianism.
2. Totalitarianism suppresses freedom of speech and imposes strict censorship.
3. The regime's propaganda machine was an integral part of maintaining totalitarianism.
4. Dissidents were swiftly punished for challenging the ideology of totalitarianism.
5. Under totalitarianism, the government controlled every aspect of people's lives.
6. Totalitarianism thrives on the suppression of individual rights and freedoms.

History and etymology of totalitarianism

The noun 'totalitarianism' is a relatively modern term that emerged in the early 20th century to describe a political system or ideology characterized by centralized and absolute control over all aspects of public and private life. Its etymology can be understood by breaking down the word into its components. 'Total' comes from the Latin word 'totus,' meaning whole or complete, and 'itarian' is a suffix denoting adherence to a particular doctrine or system. The concept of totalitarianism became more prominent during the rise of authoritarian regimes in the 20th century, such as Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia, where governments sought to exert total control over their citizens. 'Totalitarianism' as a word reflects the unsettling reality of these regimes, which aimed to dominate every facet of society and individual existence, leaving little room for freedom or dissent.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun totalitarianism:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of totalitarianism

1. The regime's leader maintained a tight grip on power, embodying the essence of totalitarianism.
2. The media served as a tool for spreading propaganda and promoting totalitarianism.
3. The education system was heavily influenced by the regime's propaganda, perpetuating the ideals of totalitarianism.
4. Totalitarianism stifles innovation and creativity by enforcing rigid conformity.
5. Escaping the clutches of totalitarianism was a dream for many oppressed individuals.
6. Totalitarianism suppresses individual freedoms and dissent.
7. The regime's goal was the establishment of totalitarianism.
8. Totalitarianism often relies on propaganda and censorship.
9. Citizens lived in fear under the shadow of totalitarianism.
10. Totalitarianism's grip on power seemed unshakable.
11. The party's ideology promoted totalitarianism.
12. Totalitarianism crushed opposition with brutal force.
13. Dissent was met with severe punishment in the totalitarian state.
14. Totalitarianism thrives on absolute control of information.
15. The regime's leaders embraced the tenets of totalitarianism.
16. Totalitarianism quashes any hint of political pluralism.
17. Citizens yearned for freedom from the grip of totalitarianism.
18. Totalitarianism's ideology was deeply rooted in authoritarianism.
19. The regime's propaganda propagated the ideals of totalitarianism.
20. Totalitarianism left no room for individual expression.
21. The world watched in horror as totalitarianism took hold.
22. Totalitarianism's power was built on fear and obedience.
23. The regime's vision for the future was one of totalitarianism.
24. The nation was under the yoke of ruthless totalitarianism.
25. Citizens longed for the overthrow of totalitarianism.