totalitarian

1 of 2

adjective

to·​tal·​i·​tar·​i·​an (ˌ)tō-ˌta-lə-ˈter-ē-ən 

1

a

: of or relating to centralized control by an autocratic leader or hierarchy : authoritarian, dictatorial

especially : despotic

b

: of or relating to a political regime based on subordination of the individual to the state and strict control of all aspects of the life and productive capacity of the nation especially by coercive measures (such as censorship and terrorism)

2

a

: advocating or characteristic of totalitarianism

b

: completely regulated by the state especially as an aid to national mobilization in an emergency

c

: exercising autocratic powers

totalitarian

2 of 2

noun

: an advocate or practitioner of totalitarianism

Examples of totalitarian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

It has been given the omnipotent, totalitarian power to simply seize the money through garnishments, liens, attachments, and other non-judicial means. —Jacob Hornberger, Orange County Register, 12 May 2024

In both sagas, both overlords eventually meet their downfall, along with the collapse of their totalitarian government. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Italian totalitario, from totalità totality

First Known Use

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing totalitarian

• anti-totalitarian

Kids Definition

totalitarian

adjective

to·​tal·​i·​tar·​i·​an

(ˌ)tō-ˌtal-ə-ˈter-ē-ən

: of or relating to a political system in which the government has complete control over the people

totalitarianism

-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm

noun