fascism(n = noun.cognition) - a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism);
is a kind of ideology, political orientation, political theory
has particulars: national socialism, naziism, nazism
Derived forms noun fascist1, adjective fascistic1
1. a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government; -- opposed to
2. an authoritarian system of government under absolute control of a single dictator, allowing no political opposition, forcibly suppressing dissent, and rigidly controlling most industrial and economic activities. Such regimes usually try to achieve popularity by a strongly nationalistic appeal, often mixed with racism. [PJC]
3. Specifically, the Fascist movement led by
4. broadly, a tendency toward or support of a strongly authoritarian or dictatorial control of government or other organizations; -- often used pejoratively in this sense. [PJC]
fascism, n.
1 the totalitarian principles and organization of the extreme right-wing nationalist movement in Italy (1922-43).
2 (also fascism) a any similar nationalist and authoritarian movement. b disp. any system of extreme right-wing or authoritarian views.
Derivative:
Fascist n. & adj. (also fascist). Fascistic adj. (also fascistic).
Etymology:
It. fascismo f. fascio political group f. L fascis bundle: see FASCES