totalitarianism

noun

to·​tal·​i·​tar·​i·​an·​ism (ˌ)tō-ˌta-lə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce totalitarianism (audio)
1
: centralized control by an autocratic authority
2
: the political concept that the citizen should be totally subject to an absolute state authority

Examples of totalitarianism in a Sentence

in times of crisis, when a nation's people are frightened, there are often calls for totalitarianism
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The book, which was written in 1948, focuses on the consequences of totalitarianism, the government’s mass surveillance of the public and how truth and fact can be manipulated. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025 Despite a propaganda campaign encouraging all Americans to come together and do their part to defeat the Axis and totalitarianism, the U.S. military remained rigidly segregated with people of color subjugated into subordinate roles and Black soldiers discriminated against abroad and at home. Tracie Canada / Made By History, TIME, 1 Jan. 2025 Orwell had robust opinions on totalitarianism, surveillance, censorship and class struggle. Will Noble, CNN, 23 Nov. 2024 And yet, though unseen by even his own son for years, Lai has become the global face of conscience rights in its perpetual struggle against totalitarianism. Ashley McGuire, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for totalitarianism 

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of totalitarianism was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near totalitarianism

Cite this Entry

“Totalitarianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totalitarianism. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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