fascism
|fash-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˈfæʃɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈfæʃɪz(ə)m/
authoritarian ultranationalist rule
Etymology
'fascism' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'fascismo', where 'fascio' meant 'bundle' or 'group' (a political league or union).
'fascism' entered English from Italian in the early 20th century, named after Benito Mussolini's movement; the Italian 'fascismo' itself alludes to the Latin 'fasces', a symbol of authority in ancient Rome (a bundle of rods).
Initially, it referred specifically to the Italian political movement and party founded by Mussolini; over time it evolved to denote a broader set of authoritarian, ultranationalist ideologies and regimes.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a far-right, authoritarian political ideology and movement characterized by dictatorial leadership, suppression of opposition, strong regimentation of society and the economy, and intense nationalism.
Many historians study how fascism rose in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s.
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Noun 2
a system of government or regime that implements fascist principles — centralized, one-party rule with strict social and economic control and suppression of dissent.
After the coup the country rapidly moved toward fascism, outlawing opposition parties and independent media.
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Noun 3
used more broadly or figuratively to describe repressive, intolerant, or authoritarian behavior or policies (often pejorative).
Critics accused the new regulations of smacking of fascism because they crushed dissent and controlled the press.
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Last updated: 2025/10/28 02:50