Definition

Noun: 1. A system or method of government, especially an authoritarian one: A regime is the set of rules, leaders, and principles that control a country, often implying a specific administration or a government seen as oppressive or undemocratic. 2. A regulated system or pattern, especially one for improving or maintaining health: A regime can also refer to a strict, systematic plan or routine, such as for diet, exercise, or medical treatment. 3. The period during which a particular government is in power: The term can denote the tenure or era of a specific ruling group.

Examples

• System of Government:
  • The new regime promised reforms and greater freedoms for its citizens.
  • The authoritarian regime controlled all media and suppressed political opposition.
• Systematic Plan/Routine:
  • Her daily skincare regime includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
  • The doctor prescribed a strict dietary regime to manage his condition.
• Period of Rule:
  • Many historical artifacts were lost during the turbulent regime of the last king.

Advanced Usage

• "Ancien Régime": A French term (often used in English) referring specifically to the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789. It is now used more broadly to describe any old, outdated system or order.
  • The reforms aimed to dismantle the corporate ancien régime that had dominated the industry for decades.

Variants and Related Words

• Regimen (noun): This word is specifically used for a prescribed systematic plan, particularly for therapy, diet, or exercise. It is often interchangeable with the second meaning of "regime" but is more common in medical or fitness contexts.
  • He followed a rigorous training regimen to prepare for the marathon.

Synonyms

• Government, administration, leadership (for the political meaning).
• System, program, routine, plan (for the systematic meaning).

Related Phrases

• Change of regime: The transition from one government or ruling system to another.
  • The war ultimately led to a change of regime.
• Regime change: The forced replacement of one government by another, especially through external intervention.
  • The debate centered on the justification for foreign-led regime change.

Related Idioms

• Topple/overthrow a regime: To remove a government from power, usually by force.
  • The rebels united with the goal to overthrow the military regime.

Noun

1. (medicine) a systematic plan for therapy (often including diet)
2. the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
   • the government reduced taxes
   • the matter was referred to higher authorities