totalitarianism

Word parts

totalitarian + -ism

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˌtəʊtalɪˈtɛːrɪənɪz(ə)m/ or /tə(ʊ)ˌtalɪˈtɛːrɪənɪz(ə)m/

• Audio (US)

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Noun

Singular totalitarianism

Plural none

1. (uncountable) Totalitarianism is a word used to describe a society that is being ruled by a dictator. In totalitarianism, citizens have few rights and must obey incredibly strict and unfair laws. Typically, a dictator or ruling class is in charge and creates rules and punishments to establish an "orderly society" that keeps them in power.

   George Orwell's book Nineteen Eighty Four predicted that society could turn to totalitarianism if its citizens were indifferent enough.

   Some say that government's ability to monitor and control its citizens is a sign of totalitarianism on the rise.