Fascism
/ˈfæʃɪzəm/
Definitions
A political ideology characterized by dictatorial leadership, centralized control, militarism, intense nationalism, and often, racism.
/ˈfæʃɪzəm/
A political ideology
Fascism emphasizes the importance of the state over individual rights.
💡 Simply: Think of fascism like a powerful, bossy government that wants total control. They're all about the nation being strong and often treat other people badly.
👶 For kids: It's like when someone wants to be the boss and tell everyone what to do and think. They might not be fair.
More Examples
Historical examples of fascism include the regimes of Mussolini and Hitler.
The economic policies of fascism often involve state control and corporate partnership.
How It's Used
"The rise of fascism in the 1920s and 1930s led to widespread conflict."
"Fascism played a significant role in shaping 20th-century European history."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
fascist state
A government that is run on fascist principles.
"The country was a fascist state from 1933 to 1945."
From Italian *fascismo*, derived from *fascio* ('bundle, group, political group'), ultimately from Latin *fascis* ('bundle, especially of rods bound around an axe, a symbol of authority in ancient Rome'). The term was first used to describe the political ideology and movement led by Benito Mussolini in Italy, and it later spread to other countries.
The term gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly in Italy and Germany, where fascist governments came to power.
Memory tip
Imagine a strong, controlling leader with a bundle of rods (fascis) representing the unified people under strict authority.
Word Origin
"A bundle, a group. Symbolic of strength and unity."