totalistic

[ toht-l-is-tik ]

adjective

1. totalitarian.

Word History and Origins

Origin of totalistic¹

First recorded in 1930–35; total + -istic

Example Sentences

He is in no way totalistic — his beliefs can be remarkably fluid — nor is he the leader of a sealed-off cultic community.

From Salon

Political partisanship in America has become what David Brooks calls “totalistic.”

From New York Times

His playing is crisp and vertical and grandiose; he often seemed to be headed toward some big argument about finality, or totalistic power.

From New York Times

Life is more straightforward when you’re locked into one totalistic group, even if it’s imposed upon you.

From Seattle Times

A spirit as deep and ebullient as hers needed nourishment and care, and when it came out it came out in her smile, which was totalistic and unrestrained.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• authoritarian
• autocratic
• monolithic
• oppressive
• tyrannical