glasnost

American  

[glaz-nost, glahz‑, glahs-nuhst] / ˈglæz nɒst, ˈglɑz‑, ˈglɑs nəst /

noun

1. the declared public policy within the Soviet Union of openly and frankly discussing economic and political realities: initiated under Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985.

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glasnost British  

/ ˈɡlæsˌnɒst /

noun

1. the policy of public frankness and accountability developed in the former Soviet Union under the leadership of Mikhail _gorbachev

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glasnost Cultural  

1. A Russian word meaning “openness,” which describes the policy of Mikhail Gorbachev, premier of the former Soviet Union. The term refers to a general loosening of government control on all aspects of life in the Soviet Union, even to the point of permitting criticism of government policies.

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Etymology

Origin of glasnost

First recorded in 1980–85, glasnost is from the Russian word glásnost' literally, publicity (taken to mean openness)

Example Sentences

It was the era of glasnost and perestroika.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2024

This proved effective in sparking Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's social and political reforms of the late 1980s, best known by the Russian word "glasnost," or "openness."

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2023

He was 91 and had largely been out of circulation since his power slipped away after the heady Soviet years of glasnost and perestroika.

From New York Times • Dec. 29, 2022

As part of his reform efforts, Gorbachev also encouraged glasnost or openness, allowing those who were angry to be critical of the government.

From Textbooks • Dec. 14, 2022

Those favorable impressions also derived from a misunderstanding of the purpose of glasnost and perestroika, his signature policies of openness and reform.

From Washington Post • Sep. 2, 2022

Related Words

• directness
• fairness
• frankness
• honesty
• outspokenness
• probity
• simplicity
• sincerity
• truthfulness