Definition

1. Noun:
   • A political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy: "Fascism" is a far-right, authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology and movement.
   • A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition: It typically involves a rejection of liberal democracy, Marxism, and parliamentary systems.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The rise of fascism in Europe during the 1930s led to World War II.
  • Historians study the economic conditions that can give rise to fascism.
  • The regime was accused of embracing fascism due to its nationalist rhetoric and suppression of dissent.

Advanced Usage

• "clerical fascism": A form of fascism that incorporates religious dogma into its ideology.
  • The political movement was analyzed as a form of clerical fascism.
• "neo-fascism": Modern movements that seek to revive or emulate historical fascism.
  • Analysts warn of the dangers posed by the resurgence of neo-fascism in some countries.

Variants and Related Words

• Fascist (noun): An adherent of fascism.
  • The fascists seized power in a coup.
• Fascist (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of fascism.
  • The fascist regime imposed strict controls on the media.
• Fascistic (adjective): Having the qualities of fascism; resembling fascism.
  • The leader's fascistic tendencies alarmed observers.

Synonyms

• Authoritarianism: The enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.
• Totalitarianism: A system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state.
• Dictatorship: Government by a dictator.
• Autocracy: A system of government by one person with absolute power.

Related Phrases

• "to flirt with fascism": To show interest in or sympathy for fascist ideas without fully committing.
  • Some politicians have been accused of flirting with fascism to gain populist support.

Related Idioms

• "the fascist salute": A straight-armed salute used historically by fascist movements.
  • The use of the fascist salute is banned in several countries.
• "brownshirt": A historical term for a member of the Nazi SA paramilitary; used more broadly to refer to fascist thugs or paramilitaries.
  • The protesters were attacked by a group of brownshirts.

Noun

1. a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)