dollfuss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low
UK/ˈdɒlfʊs/US/ˈdɑːlfʊs/

Formal, Historical, Academic

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Quick answer

What does “dollfuss” mean?

A proper noun, historically referring to Engelbert Dollfuss (1892–1934), the Austrian Chancellor known for establishing an authoritarian regime and his opposition to Nazism.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A proper noun, historically referring to Engelbert Dollfuss (1892–1934), the Austrian Chancellor known for establishing an authoritarian regime and his opposition to Nazism.

The name is used metonymically to refer to the period of Austrofascism (1933–1934), his political ideology, or as a historical reference point for discussions on interwar authoritarianism, fascism, and the annexation of Austria.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in usage. The term is equally specialised in both varieties.

Connotations

Carries strong historical and political connotations related to fascism, clerical authoritarianism, and the lead-up to WWII. May imply a critique of authoritarian rule.

Frequency

Extremely rare in general discourse. Usage is confined to history texts, political science, and specialised discussions.

Grammar

How to Use “dollfuss” in a Sentence

[Proper Noun] as subject of historical narrativesthe regime of [Proper Noun]the assassination of [Proper Noun]during the [Proper Noun] chancellorship

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Engelbert DollfussChancellor Dollfussthe Dollfuss regimethe Dollfuss governmentassassination of Dollfuss
medium
era of Dollfusspolicies of Dollfussunder DollfussDollfuss andDollfuss's Austria
weak
like Dollfussremember Dollfussfigure like Dollfuss

Examples

Examples of “dollfuss” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • Not applicable as a verb.

American English

  • Not applicable as a verb.

adverb

British English

  • Not applicable as an adverb.

American English

  • Not applicable as an adverb.

adjective

British English

  • The Dollfuss-era constitution was highly authoritarian.
  • He studied Dollfuss-style corporatism.

American English

  • The Dollfuss-period policies were controversial.
  • It was a Dollfuss-inspired political model.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in history and political science to denote the individual, his government, or the specific brand of Austrofascism.

Everyday

Extremely rare; would only appear in discussions of specialised historical topics.

Technical

Used as a precise historical referent in scholarly works.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “dollfuss”

Strong

the clerical fascist leader

Neutral

the Austrofascist chancellorthe Austrian Chancellor (1932-34)

Weak

the interwar leaderthe Christian Social chancellor

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “dollfuss”

democratic leaderanti-fascist figure

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “dollfuss”

  • Misspelling as 'Dolfuss' or 'Dollfus'.
  • Mispronouncing with stress on the second syllable.
  • Using it as a common noun.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

He was the Austrofascist Chancellor of Austria from 1932 until his assassination in 1934, known for establishing an authoritarian regime.

In British English: /ˈdɒlfʊs/ (DOL-fuuss). In American English: /ˈdɑːlfʊs/ (DAHL-fuuss).

No, it is exclusively a proper noun used in historical and political contexts. It is very rare in everyday language.

He represents the establishment of an authoritarian, clerical-fascist government in Austria that violently opposed both socialism and Nazism, setting the stage for the 1938 Anschluss.

A proper noun, historically referring to Engelbert Dollfuss (1892–1934), the Austrian Chancellor known for establishing an authoritarian regime and his opposition to Nazism.

Dollfuss is usually formal, historical, academic in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • No common idioms

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Dollfuss: Think of a 'doll' representing a puppet (contested historical view of his independence), and 'fuss' for the political turmoil and conflict his rule caused.

Conceptual Metaphor

A NAME FOR AN ERA: 'Dollfuss' is used conceptually as a container for the events and ideology of early 1930s Austria.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The regime in Austria preceded the Anschluss with Nazi Germany.
Multiple Choice

Engelbert Dollfuss is primarily associated with which country and period?