Totalitarian
/toʊˌtælɪˈtɛəriən/
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by a system of government in which all aspects of life are controlled by a single, often autocratic, ruling body.
/toʊˌtælɪˈtɛəriən/
Relating to a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state.
The citizens lived under a totalitarian government that severely restricted their freedom of speech.
💡 Simply: Imagine a classroom where the teacher makes *all* the rules and controls everything. A totalitarian government is like that, but for an entire country. They want control over your life, from what you read to what you believe.
👶 For kids: A government where one person or group makes all the rules and controls everything.
More Examples
The author depicted a chilling vision of a totalitarian future in his novel.
Many fear the rise of totalitarian regimes in the modern world.
The party used propaganda to maintain its totalitarian grip on society.
How It's Used
"The novel explores the dystopian world of a totalitarian regime where individual freedom is suppressed."
"Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union under Stalin were prime examples of totalitarian states."
A supporter of a totalitarian government or ideology.
/toʊˌtælɪˈtɛəriən/
A person who supports a totalitarian form of government.
The political analyst described him as a totalitarian, arguing that his actions demonstrated a disregard for individual rights.
💡 Simply: Someone who likes the idea of a government that controls everything and everyone. They are often big believers in the rules of that government.
👶 For kids: Someone who likes the idea of a country with one ruler who controls everything.
More Examples
Historians often study the actions of totalitarians to understand the rise and fall of oppressive regimes.
How It's Used
"Critics labeled the leader a totalitarian for his increasingly restrictive policies."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Italian *totalitario*, derived from *totale* meaning 'total'. The term gained prominence in the 20th century to describe political systems characterized by centralized, dictatorial control.
The term 'totalitarian' gained widespread use in the 20th century as a way to describe regimes such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Initially used by the Fascists in Italy.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'total' – a totalitarian government seeks total control over its citizens.
Word Origin
"total"