Protofascist vs. Fascism

Protofascistadjective

(politics) Showing the beginnings of fascism.

Fascismnoun

(historical) A political regime, having totalitarian aspirations, ideologically based on a relationship between business and the centralized government, business-and-government control of the marketplace, repression of criticism or opposition, a leader cult and exalting the state and/or religion above individual rights.

Protofascistnoun

An individual whose opinions or policies show the beginnings of fascism.

Fascismnoun

(by extension) Any system of strong autocracy or oligarchy usually to the extent of bending and breaking the law, race-baiting and violence against largely unarmed populations.

Fascismnoun

a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government; - opposed to democracy and liberalism.

Fascismnoun

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.

Fascismnoun

Specifically, the Fascist movement led by Benito Mussolini in Italy from 1922 to 1943.

Fascismnoun

broadly, a tendency toward or support of a strongly authoritarian or dictatorial control of government or other organizations; - often used pejoratively in this sense.

Fascismnoun

a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)

Fascismnoun

an authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization.

Fascismnoun

(in general use) extreme authoritarian, oppressive, or intolerant views or practices

‘this is yet another example of health fascism in action’;

Fascism

Fascism () is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy, which came to prominence in early 20th-century Europe. The first fascist movements emerged in Italy during World War I, before spreading to other European countries.