totalitarian state

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Word: Totalitarian State

Definition: A totalitarian state is a type of government where the state holds complete power over every part of life. In this system, individual freedoms are not allowed, and the government controls what people think, say, and do. It uses strict rules and often force to maintain control.

Usage Instructions:

• The term "totalitarian state" is used mainly in discussions about politics and government.
• It can be used to describe a country or a regime that has these characteristics.
• It is often used in contrast with democratic states, where individual freedoms are protected.

Example:

• "North Korea is often described as a totalitarian state because the government controls all media and restricts personal freedoms."

Advanced Usage:

• In political science, discussions about totalitarian states often involve comparisons to authoritarian regimes, where there might be some personal freedoms, but the government still exercises significant control.

Word Variants:

• Totalitarianism (noun): The belief in or practice of totalitarian control.

  • Example: "Totalitarianism limits personal freedom and expression."

• Totalitarian (adjective): Describing something that is related to or characteristic of a totalitarian state.

  • Example: "The totalitarian regime implemented strict laws to suppress dissent."

Different Meanings:

• The term “totalitarian” can sometimes be used informally to describe any situation where someone feels excessively controlled or restricted, but this is less common.

Synonyms:

• Authoritarian state
• Dictatorship
• Oppressive regime
• Despotic government

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "totalitarian state," but you might encounter phrases like "under the thumb" which means being controlled by someone else, similar to how citizens in a totalitarian state are controlled by their government.

Summary:

A totalitarian state is a government that prioritizes the power of the state over individual freedoms, often using strict control and force.

Academic

Noun

1. a government that subordinates the individual to the state and strictly controls all aspects of life by coercive measures

Synonyms

• totalitation regime