Telescreen: meaning, definitions and examples
📺
telescreen
[ˈtɛlɪskriːn ]
Definition
fictional technology
A telescreen is a fictional device in George Orwell's novel '1984' that functions as both a television and a surveillance camera. It is used by the authoritarian government to monitor and control the citizens.
Examples of usage
- The telescreen in Winston's apartment constantly broadcasts propaganda.
- The Thought Police can watch and listen to citizens through the telescreens.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term originates from George Orwell's book '1984,' where it represents a tool for constant surveillance and propaganda.
- In the story, telescreens are mandatory in every home, illustrating the loss of privacy in a controlling society.
Historical Context
- The concept of a device that could both show media and surveil individuals reflects real concerns during the Cold War era.
- As technology advanced, many feared similar devices could be used for surveillance, which has become relevant again with smart devices.
Technology
- Smart TVs today can function like modern telescreens, with built-in cameras and the capability to collect user data.
- Many people debate privacy issues surrounding devices that continuously listen or monitor user behavior.
Cultural References
- The idea of a telescreen has influenced various movies and shows, where technology can invade personal space.
- In popular culture, similar concepts appear in dystopian narratives, warning about the dangers of loss of privacy.
Psychology
- The fear of being watched can create anxiety, a psychological concept often reflected in dystopian literature.
- People's behaviors can change when they know they are being observed, known as the 'Hawthorne Effect,' which is a theme explored in Orwell's work.
Translations
Translations of the word "telescreen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 tela de televisão
🇮🇳 टेलीस्क्रीन
🇩🇪 Bildschirm
🇮🇩 layar televisi
🇺🇦 телевізор
🇵🇱 ekran telewizyjny
🇯🇵 テレビ画面
🇫🇷 écran de télévision
🇪🇸 pantalla de televisión
🇹🇷 televizyon ekranı
🇰🇷 텔레비전 화면
🇸🇦 شاشة التلفاز
🇨🇿 televizní obrazovka
🇸🇰 televízna obrazovka
🇨🇳 电视屏幕
🇸🇮 televizijski zaslon
🇮🇸 sjónvarpsskjár
🇰🇿 теледидар экраны
🇬🇪 ტელეეკრანი
🇦🇿 televiziya ekranı
🇲🇽 pantalla de televisión
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,894, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
- ...
- 41891 hotted
- 41892 advertorial
- 41893 hoagie
- 41894 telescreen
- 41895 stealthiness
- 41896 monocled
- 41897 razzed
- ...