fascism
noun
fas·cism
ˈfa-ˌshi-zəm
also ˈfa-ˌsi-
plural fascisms
1
often Fascism
: a populist political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual, that is associated with a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, and that is characterized by severe economic and social regimentation and by forcible suppression of opposition
At the core of fascism is loyalty to tribe, ethnic identity, religion, tradition, or, in a word, nation.—Jason Stanley
There are differences between Italian Fascism, German Nazism, and their various nationalist descendants.—Josh Jones
broadly
: a philosophy or system with some combination of fascist values and governing structures
Take away colonialism and you still have … Balkan fascism … —Umberto Eco
2
: a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control
The early instances of army fascism and brutality are typical …—Jason Watson Aldridge
Call it "soft fascism": a political system that aims to stamp out dissent and seize control of every major aspect of a country's political and social life, without needing to resort to "hard" measures like banning elections …—Zach Beauchamp
—often used informally in an exaggerated wayLike the city's ban on the use of trans fats and draconian restrictions on smoking, the new soda regulations are … yet another installment of what Jonah Goldberg rightly termed "liberal fascism."—Jonathan S. Tobin
fascist
adjective
or Fascist
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share