Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A specific communist political organization founded in Cambodia in 1970. It is historically defined by its seizure of power in 1975, after which it established a government responsible for mass atrocities, and its subsequent military activities until its formal dissolution.

Usage

• The term communist party of kampuchea is used primarily in historical and political contexts to refer to this specific organization and the period of its rule. It functions as a proper name.
• Example: "The communist party of kampuchea controlled the country from 1975 to 1979."

Advanced Usage

• The organization is more widely known by the name "Khmer Rouge," which is often used interchangeably in historical discourse. However, communist party of kampuchea is its official political designation.
• Example: "The policies enacted by the communist party of kampuchea led to a devastating societal transformation."

Variants and Related Words

• Khmer Rouge (noun): The common name for the radical communist movement that comprised the communist party of kampuchea.
• Democratic Kampuchea (proper noun): The official name of the state under the rule of the communist party of kampuchea from 1975 to 1979.

Synonyms

• Khmer Rouge
• Party of Democratic Kampuchea (a later name used by the organization)

Notes on Meaning

• The definition of communist party of kampuchea is inextricably linked to its historical actions, particularly the mass casualties that occurred during its rule. It is not used as a generic term for a political party but specifically denotes this organization and its legacy.

Noun

1. a communist organization formed in Cambodia in 1970; became a terrorist organization in 1975 when it captured Phnom Penh and created a government that killed an estimated three million people; was defeated by Vietnamese troops but remained active until 1999