mccarthyism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Historical, Political, Academic
Quick answer
What does “mccarthyism” mean?
The practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence, especially regarding pro-communist activity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence, especially regarding pro-communist activity.
Any aggressive investigation or persecution of individuals based on unsubstantiated charges, political orthodoxy, or guilt by association, typically involving a climate of fear and suspicion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is most commonly associated with American political history. In British English, it's used primarily in historical or political analysis, often with a comparative lens (e.g., discussing UK politics).
Connotations
Identically negative in both varieties, denoting political repression and hysteria. In US English, it carries the weight of a direct national historical experience.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to its historical roots. In British English, it appears mainly in academic, journalistic, or political commentary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mccarthyism” in a Sentence
McCarthyism in [country/organisation]McCarthyism against [group]a return to McCarthyismlabel something (as) McCarthyismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mccarthyism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The newspaper was accused of attempting to McCarthyise its political opponents.
American English
- Some feared the committee would try to McCarthyize the academic community.
adjective
British English
- The report described a McCarthyite atmosphere within the organisation.
American English
- He denounced what he called McCarthyite tactics in the campaign.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for unfair, smear-based internal investigations or toxic corporate cultures of suspicion.
Academic
Common in History, Political Science, and Sociology to analyse mid-20th century US politics or as a comparative framework for studying political repression.
Everyday
Used in political discussions to criticise what is seen as unfounded, hysterical, or persecutory accusations in public life.
Technical
Not used in STEM fields. Specific to socio-political discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mccarthyism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mccarthyism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mccarthyism”
- Misspelling: 'McArthyism', 'Mccarthyism' (should capitalise 'M').
- Using it to describe any strong political criticism; it specifically implies lack of evidence and malicious intent.
- Confusing it with 'Macarthur' (the general).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, in its original 1950s US context, where the target was real or alleged communist influence and subversion. However, the term is now applied metaphorically to similar tactics targeting any group or ideology.
No. The term is intrinsically critical and carries a strongly negative connotation. It is used by commentators to condemn practices they view as unfair and hysterical.
Yes, metaphorically. It can describe any environment (e.g., in a company, school, or online community) where people are accused of disloyalty or wrongdoing based on weak evidence and in a climate of fear.
A US Senator (1908-1957) who led highly publicised investigations in the early 1950s alleging communist infiltration of the US government and other institutions. His methods gave rise to the term 'McCarthyism'.
The practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence, especially regarding pro-communist activity.
Mccarthyism is usually formal, historical, political, academic in register.
Mccarthyism: in British English it is pronounced /məˈkɑː.θi.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈkɑːr.θi.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a whiff of McCarthyism”
- “the ghost of McCarthyism”
- “to McCarthyise (rare/verb form)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: McCarthy's 'ism' – his system of making lists and causing schisms based on 'isms' (like communism) without proof.
Conceptual Metaphor
A POLITICAL PURGE IS A WITCH-HUNT. / DISSENT IS DISLOYALTY. / POLITICAL DEBATE IS WARFARE (with character assassination).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST essential element of McCarthyism?