Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A historical figure: Nikita Khrushchev was a leader of the Soviet Union. He served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party and as Premier. He is historically significant for his policy of "de-Stalinization," in which he publicly criticized the actions and legacy of his predecessor, Joseph Stalin.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Nikita Khrushchev became the leader of the Soviet Union after Stalin's death.
  • The historian wrote a biography about Nikita Khrushchev and his impact on the Cold War.
  • Nikita Khrushchev famously said, "We will bury you," a statement often interpreted as a metaphor for Cold War competition.

Advanced Usage

• "The Khrushchev era" or "Khrushchev's tenure": Refers to the period of Soviet history from approximately 1953 to 1964 when Nikita Khrushchev was the dominant political figure.
  • The Khrushchev era was marked by a relative cultural "thaw" compared to the Stalinist period.
• "Khrushchevian" (adjective): Pertaining to the policies, style, or period of Nikita Khrushchev.
  • The architect designed a building in a Khrushchevian utilitarian style.

Variants and Related Words

• Khrushchev (noun): A common shortened form of the full name "Nikita Khrushchev" used in historical and political discourse.
  • Khrushchev authorized the construction of the Berlin Wall.
• De-Stalinization (noun): The political reform process initiated by Khrushchev to diminish the cult of personality and reverse some policies of Joseph Stalin.

Synonyms

• Soviet Premier: A title he held.
• First Secretary: His primary party title.
• Cold War leader: Describes his historical role.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Khrushchev's shoe": A reference to an alleged incident where Khrushchev banged his shoe on a desk at the United Nations in 1960. It is used as a symbol of blunt, undiplomatic, or theatrical political behavior.
  • His angry speech was compared to Khrushchev's shoe pounding.

Noun

1. Soviet statesman and premier who denounced Stalin (1894-1971)