Maoism

[ mou-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the political, social, economic, and military theories and policies advocated by Mao Zedong ( def ), as those concerning revolutionary movements and guerrilla warfare.

Maoism

/ ˈmaʊɪzəm /

noun

1. Marxism-Leninism as interpreted by Mao Tse-tung: distinguished by its theory of guerrilla warfare and its emphasis on the revolutionary potential of the peasantry
2. adherence to or reverence for Mao Tse-tung and his teachings

Maoism

1. The doctrines of Mao Zedong , most notably the doctrine that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to be kept in touch with the people. ( See Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution .)

Derived Forms

• ˈMaoist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• Maoist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Maoism¹

First recorded in 1950–55; Mao (Zedong) ( def ) + -ism

Example Sentences

As daunting as hyperinflation was when he took office, so was the breakdown in security and the growing strength of the Shining Path guerrilla group, which embraced Maoism.

From Los Angeles Times

"Communism survived the deaths of Stalin and Mao, but Stalinism and Maoism did not."

From Salon

Many on the left had erred on what was perhaps the most important issue of the 20th century, global totalitarianism: Too many had been soft on Soviet Communism or Chinese Maoism.

From Seattle Times

In 1977, Lévy wrote “Barbarism With a Human Face,” in which he rejected Marxism and Maoism.

From New York Times

Unlike other Chinese communists who turned away from hard-core Maoism after the Cultural Revolution, Mr. Xi appears to have embraced the punishment and humiliation Mao used to maintain personal power under communist ideology.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• communism