'fascist' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'fascista', where 'fascio' meant 'bundle' (from Latin 'fascis'), a symbol adopted by early Italian movements.

'fascist' changed from Italian 'fascista' (early 20th century), which derived from 'fascio' and ultimately Latin 'fascis'; the term entered English in descriptions of Benito Mussolini's movement and became 'fascist'.

Initially, it meant 'a member or supporter of the Italian fascist movement'; over time it broadened to include 'an authoritarian or repressive person' in general usage.