Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Police state

noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A polity whose government exercises strict and repressive control of the people. derogatory, usually

    "You didn't know there is […] an active campaign, propaganda and otherwise, […] against all kinds of security procedures on the ground that they are all police state methods and all interfere with individual rights?"

  2. 2
    a country that maintains repressive control over the people by means of police (especially secret police) wordnet

Etymology

Likely a calque of German Polizeistaat adopted following the Carlsbad Decrees of 1819 and the ensuing Demagogenverfolgungen, culminating in the crackdown of liberal and anarchical movements popular in the 1840s during the German revolutions of 1848–1849. Equivalent to police + state.

See also for "police state"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: policestate