# fascism

/ˈfæˌʃɪzəm/ (US) · /fˈæʃɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fascism
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. political ideology

noun · CEFR B2

a way of ruling a country where one leader has total power, emphasizes national strength, and punishes anyone who disagrees.

For teachers: a far-right, authoritarian nationalist ideology characterized by dictatorial power, totalitarian governance, and the forcible suppression of opposition.

- The rise of fascism in Europe during the 1930s led to the outbreak of World War II.
- Historians often debate the precise socio-economic conditions that allowed fascism to take root in previously democratic nations during the interwar period.

### 2. extreme control

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Humorous

a way of behaving that forces people to follow very strict rules without any freedom.

For teachers: the extreme reliance on or enforcement of rigid rules and regulations, often used figuratively to describe oppressive management.

- The office manager's strict rules about desk cleanliness felt like fascism to the creative team.
- While intended as a joke, his complaints about 'culinary fascism' reflected a genuine frustration with the restaurant's refusal to modify any dishes on the menu.

Usage: Often used as a hyperbolic metaphor in informal speech to describe strict authority.

## Examples

- The country suffered under fascism for over twenty years before the dictator fell.
- During the 1930s, fascism spread across several European nations as leaders promised to restore order and national pride through absolute control.
- Historians often debate the precise definition of fascism, but most agree it involves extreme nationalism, the suppression of democratic institutions, and the militarisation of society.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.