Totalitarian Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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totalitarian
[tษสหtรฆl.ษชหteษ.ri.ษn ]
Definitions
political system
Relating to a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state.
Synonyms
authoritarian, dictatorial, oppressive, tyrannical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| totalitarian |
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.
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| authoritarian |
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.
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| dictatorial |
Used to describe leadership where a single individual holds significant power and authority, often ignoring democratic processes and frequently acting in an autocratic manner.
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| tyrannical |
Describes a form of rule in which the leader exercises power in a cruel, arbitrary, and unjust manner. It has strong negative connotations.
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| oppressive |
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.
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Examples of usage
- His regime was known for its totalitarian control over every aspect of citizens' lives.
- The country's totalitarian government suppressed any form of dissent.
characteristics
Exercising control over the freedom, will, or thought of others; authoritarian.
Synonyms
autocratic, despotic, domineering, totalistic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| totalitarian |
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.
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| domineering |
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.
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| autocratic |
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.
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| despotic |
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.
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| totalistic |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The totalitarian nature of the company's CEO was evident in his micromanagement of employees.
- The novel depicted a dystopian society ruled by a totalitarian regime.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'totalitarian' was first used in the early 20th century, mainly to describe dictatorships that sought to control every part of public and private life.
- Totalitarian regimes often arise during periods of crisis, as they promise quick solutions and stability.
- Fascism and communism are often cited as examples of totalitarian ideologies, seeking to exert control over society and suppress dissent.
Political Science
- Totalitarianism differs from authoritarianism in its goal of complete control over the beliefs and values of its citizens, not just their actions.
- Such systems typically employ propaganda to maintain the regime's narrative and manipulate public perception.
- The leader often cultivates a cult of personality, where they are seen as infallible and central to the nation's identity.
Psychology
- Living under a totalitarian regime can lead to a phenomenon known as 'learned helplessness,' where individuals feel powerless and stop trying to change their situation.
- Fear and surveillance are key tactics, creating an environment where individuals are too afraid to express dissent or seek change.
- The constant reinforcement of the regime's ideology can modify behavior and thought patterns in citizens, sometimes leading to internalized beliefs.
Modern Technology
- In the 21st century, technology plays a significant role in the functioning of totalitarian systems, with governments using surveillance tactics to monitor citizens.
- Social media can be manipulated to spread disinformation, making it harder for the populace to distinguish between reality and propaganda.
- Some totalitarian regimes employ advanced technology for controlling communication, limiting access to information from outside sources.
Literature
- Dystopian novels like George Orwell's '1984' and Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' explore themes of totalitarianism, showcasing the oppressive control of the state over individuals.
- These works often serve as warnings about the dangers of giving too much power to one entity or leader.
- Literature frequently highlights the human spirit's struggle against oppression, emphasizing the importance of freedom and individual rights.
Origin of 'totalitarian'
The term 'totalitarian' originated in the early 20th century to describe political systems where the state holds total authority over society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life. It gained prominence during the rise of totalitarian regimes such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The word combines 'total' and 'itarian' to convey the idea of complete control and domination by the state.
See also: teetotal, teetotaler, totalable, totaling, totalistic, totality, totalizer, totally.