1. a political system in which the state has complete control over all aspects of public and private life
Usage: political science
2. the principle or practice of complete control or dominance over something

Examples

• The rise of totalism in the 20th century led to some of history’s darkest periods.
• Critics argued that the new policies represented a form of corporate totalism.
• The philosopher warned against the dangers of totalism in modern society.
• Under totalism, individual freedoms are completely subordinated to state power.
• The book examines how totalism differs from other forms of authoritarian rule.
• Many refugees fled their homeland to escape the oppressive totalism of the regime.