Bolshevism

[ bohl-shuh-viz-uhm, bol- ]

noun

1. the doctrines, methods, or procedure of the Bolsheviks.
2. (sometimes lowercase) the principles or practices of ultraradical socialists or political ultraradicals generally.

Other Words From

• an·ti-Bol·she·vism noun
• non-Bol·she·vism noun
• pro-Bol·she·vism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bolshevism¹

First recorded in 1915–20; Bolshev(ik) + -ism

Example Sentences

"But nonetheless, he turned very much against the Church, embraced secular life, rejected God and embraced Bolshevism and Marxism."

From BBC

Teresa and her playmates are obsessed with the prophecies of Our Lady of Fátima, received by three country children in visions that coincided with the triumph of Russian Bolshevism.

From New York Times

The Fair Labor Standards Act, which established the minimum wage, "is a step in the direction of communism, Bolshevism, fascism and Nazism."

From Salon

When asked about his views on Communism, he said, “Soviet Communism is basically a mask for Bolshevism which is a mask for Judaism.”

From Literature

He wrote that music should not be banned — that is, “unless it is a clear case either of rubbish or kitsch or of anti-state cultural Bolshevism.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• socialism