1. a political system characterized by extreme nationalism, dictatorial power, and forcible suppression of opposition
Usage: political science
2. the political movement and ideology associated with Mussolini’s Italy and similar regimes
Usage: historical

Examples

• The rise of fascism in Europe led to World War II.
• Historians study the characteristics of fascism in 20th-century politics.
• The regime’s fascism suppressed all forms of political dissent.
• Many countries fought against fascism during the war.
• The documentary examined the origins of fascism in Italy.
• Citizens protested what they saw as creeping fascism in their government.