totalitarian
/təʊˌtæləˈteəriən/ (bre, ipa) · [tˌotˌælɪtˈɛriən] /təʊˌtæləˈteriən/ (ame, ipa) · [tˌotˌælɪtˈɛriən] /(ˌ)tō-ˌta-lə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce totalitarian (audio)/ (ame, mw)
totalitarian — adjective
- totalitarianpositive
- more totalitariancomparative
- most totalitariansuperlative
1. describing a system of government where a single group or leader has unlimited p
describing a system of government where a single group or leader has unlimited power over every part of public and private life, allowing no political opposition or personal freedoms.
Nora's grandfather was put in prison by the totalitarian government.
collocation: totalitarian government
Gabriel studies how totalitarian leaders take away people's basic rights.
collocation: totalitarian leader
The documentary shows what daily life was like in a totalitarian country.
Sayaka's family left because the totalitarian state controlled all newspapers.
Under the totalitarian system, people could not say anything against the ruler.
- authoritarian
broader term; describes rule based on obedience to authority, not necessarily controlling all aspects of life like totalitarian
- dictatorial
focuses on absolute personal power of one leader rather than full control of an entire system
- oppressive
emphasises harsh and unfair treatment rather than the extent of state control
- democratic
based on free elections and individual rights, opposite of total state control
- liberal
emphasises personal freedoms and limited government
用法筆記
Most commonly used before nouns such as 'regime', 'government', 'state', 'system', 'leader', or 'society'. In less formal contexts, 'dictatorial' or 'authoritarian' are more frequent.
totalitarian — noun
1. a person who supports or practises a political system of absolute state control,
a person who supports or practises a political system of absolute state control, or who rules in such a way that no opposition is allowed.
The general became a totalitarian who refused to allow any opposition.
Andrei read a book about how totalitarians use fear to keep their power.
pattern: plural 'totalitarians' for advocates
Some voters chose a totalitarian who promised to bring back order and safety.
Rania argues that no society can be peaceful under a totalitarian.
- democrat
a person who believes in government by the people and free elections
用法筆記
Less common than the adjective form. In everyday speech, 'dictator' is more usual when referring to an individual ruler. Use 'totalitarian' when you want to stress the person's commitment to controlling every aspect of society.