totalitarianize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowFormal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “totalitarianize” mean?
To make something totalitarian.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something totalitarian; to impose a system of centralized control and suppression of opposition.
Used to describe the process by which a government or regime becomes increasingly authoritarian, often involving the elimination of freedoms, centralization of power, and eradication of dissent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; minor spelling variations may occur in derived forms (e.g., 'totalitarianise' in British English, though 'totalitarianize' is standard).
Connotations
Similarly negative in both dialects, associated with authoritarianism and loss of liberty.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, primarily found in political science or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “totalitarianize” in a Sentence
transitive: to totalitarianize [object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “totalitarianize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regime aimed to totalitarianise the entire nation, suppressing all dissent.
American English
- The government sought to totalitarianize the state by controlling media and elections.
adverb
British English
- They ruled totalitarianly, with no tolerance for opposition.
American English
- The system was managed totalitarianly, centralising all decision-making.
adjective
British English
- The totalitarian regime in that country was brutally oppressive.
American English
- The totalitarian government enforced strict laws on every aspect of life.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may occasionally appear in critiques of corporate authoritarianism or governance models.
Academic
Common in political science, history, and sociology to describe political transformations.
Everyday
Very rare; typically only in educated discussions about politics.
Technical
Used in political theory and analysis to denote specific processes of authoritarian consolidation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “totalitarianize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “totalitarianize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “totalitarianize”
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'the totalitarianize of society') instead of a verb.
- Misspelling as 'totalitarize' or using British 'totalitarianise' inconsistently in American contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and typically confined to formal or academic contexts, especially in political discourse.
It is uncommon in everyday speech due to its technical nature; simpler terms like 'make authoritarian' are often preferred.
The noun form is 'totalitarianization', but it is also rare and used primarily in academic writing.
Yes, phrases like 'centralize power' or 'impose authoritarian control' are more common in general usage.
To make something totalitarian.
Totalitarianize is usually formal/academic in register.
Totalitarianize: in British English it is pronounced /təʊˌtælɪˈteəriənaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /toʊˌtælɪˈtɛriənaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'total' (complete) + 'itarian' (like authoritarian) + 'ize' (to make) = to make completely authoritarian.
Conceptual Metaphor
The state as a machine that can be 'totalitarianized' for complete and oppressive control.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'totalitarianize'?