Totalitarian: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a political system where the state holds total authority over society and controls all aspects of public and private life. It often involves a single party or leader who has unchecked power.

• The country suffered under a totalitarian regime where dissent was not tolerated.
• In a totalitarian state, citizens have no freedom of speech or assembly.

Describes a governing or political system where there is strong central power and limited political freedoms. It generally allows some social and economic institutions to exist separately from the government.

• The government adopted authoritarian measures to maintain order during the crisis.
• Authoritarian leaders often limit political freedoms but may allow some personal and economic freedoms.

Used to describe leadership where a single individual holds significant power and authority, often ignoring democratic processes and frequently acting in an autocratic manner.

• His dictatorial management style left little room for team input.
• The dictatorial leader was known for making decisions unilaterally without consulting others.

Describes a form of rule in which the leader exercises power in a cruel, arbitrary, and unjust manner. It has strong negative connotations.

• The tyrannical ruler punished any form of rebellion harshly.
• Under her tyrannical leadership, the employees lived in constant fear.

This term is used to describe policies or situations where people are kept in hardship and suffering, often through unjust or cruel exercises of authority or power. It has a negative connotation.

• The oppressive laws severely limited individual freedoms and rights.
• Many citizens fled the oppressive regime in search of a better life.

This word is used to describe a type of government where the state has total control over every aspect of public and private life. It is often associated with oppressive regimes and absolute authority.

• The country moved towards a totalitarian regime, suppressing all political opposition.
• In a totalitarian state, freedom of speech is usually severely curtailed.

This term is used to describe someone who is overbearing and tries to control others in a bossy way. It has a negative connotation and is often used in personal and social contexts.

• Her domineering attitude made it hard for anyone to enjoy working with her.
• He was a domineering parent, not letting his children make any decisions on their own.

This term refers to a system of government or leadership where one person has absolute power and makes decisions without consulting others. It can be used in both political and organizational settings.

• The CEO's autocratic management style led to low employee morale.
• Under the autocratic rule, citizens had no say in the laws that governed them.

This word describes a ruler or governing style that is cruel and oppressive, often involving severe punishment and control. It emphasizes the harshness of the leader.

• The despotic king imposed heavy taxes on his subjects.
• Living under a despotic regime made daily life a struggle for survival.

This word is used to describe a system or ideology that seeks to control all aspects of life, often in a comprehensive and all-encompassing manner. It is similar to 'totalitarian' but can be used more broadly, not just in political contexts.

• Some cults have totalistic ideologies that dictate every aspect of their followers' lives.
• The organization’s totalistic approach left little room for individual expression.