# totalitarian

/ˌtoʊˌtæɫɪˈtɛɹiən/ (US) · /təʊtˌælɪtˈeəɹiən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/totalitarian
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. total state control

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

describing a political system where the state has absolute power and controls all parts of society, including private life.

For teachers: relating to a centralized government that does not tolerate parties of differing opinion and exercises dictatorial control over many aspects of life.

- The novel describes a totalitarian society where even thoughts are monitored by the government.
- Historians often compare the various totalitarian regimes of the twentieth century to understand how they maintained absolute social and political control.

Usage: Usually precedes the noun it modifies, such as 'regime', 'state', or 'system'.

Teaching tip: While similar to 'authoritarian', 'totalitarian' is stronger, implying the state seeks to control the very thoughts and private lives of its citizens.

### 2. a supporter of such a system

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

a person who believes in or supports a government with total control.

For teachers: an advocate or practitioner of totalitarianism.

- The political philosopher was accused of being a secret totalitarian.
- The essay examines how a former totalitarian adapted to the new democratic institutions after the revolution.

Usage: Used as a countable noun.

Teaching tip: This noun form is much less common than the adjective; learners will typically encounter the adjective form in political science contexts.

## Examples

- The country is a totalitarian state where citizens cannot vote freely.
- The novel describes a totalitarian society where the government watches everyone through screens and punishes anyone who disagrees.
- By dismantling the independent press and centralizing all judicial authority, the newly elected president rapidly transformed the fragile democracy into a totalitarian regime.

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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.