syndicalism

[ sin-di-kuh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. a form or development of trade unionism, originating in France, that aims at the possession of the means of production and distribution, and ultimately at the control of society, by federated bodies of industrial workers, and that seeks to realize its purposes through general strikes, terrorism, sabotage, etc.
2. an economic system in which workers own and manage industry.

syndicalism

/ ˈsɪndɪkəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a revolutionary movement and theory advocating the seizure of the means of production and distribution by syndicates of workers through direct action, esp a general strike
2. an economic system resulting from such action

Derived Forms

• ˌsyndicalˈistic, adjective
• ˈsyndical, adjective
• ˈsyndicalist, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• syndi·cal·ist adjective noun
• syndi·cal·istic adjective
• anti·syndi·cal·ism noun
• anti·syndi·cal·ist noun adjective
• pro·syndi·cal·ism noun
• pro·syndi·cal·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of syndicalism¹

From the French word syndicalisme, dating back to 1905–10. See syndical, -ism

Example Sentences

In an unsigned decision, the court overruled an appellate court’s application of Ohio’s “criminal syndicalism” statute to a Ku Klux Klan leader.

From Salon

Syndicalism is a workers’ political movement to put business ownership into workers’ hands, but in California, its criminal application extended not just to actions, including peaceful picketing, but to teaching or advocating anything resembling it.

From Los Angeles Times

The catch-all charge was a fairly new California felony banning “criminal syndicalism.”

From Los Angeles Times

The law was broadly used, often at the insistence of business owners, to prosecute not just true syndicalists, but also the many ordinary workers striking for better wages and working conditions — and a repeal of the syndicalism act.

From Los Angeles Times

When asked if she knew the phrase “criminal syndicalism,” Ball replied, “No, but it is pretty.”

From New York Times