fascist
UK[ˈfæʃ.ɪst]US[ˈfæʃ.ɪst]
n
a person who supports or believes in fascism, a political system characterized by extreme authoritarian, nationalistic, and often racist policies
adj
relating to or characteristic of fascism or fascists
Morpheme Breakdown
fasc
ist
fasc
bundle
ist
adherent
Etymology
the word originates from the italian 'fascismo', which is derived from 'fascio', meaning a bundle or group. this term was a direct borrowing from the latin 'fascis', referring to a bundle of rods with an axe, carried before magistrates in ancient rome as a symbol of authority and collective power. benito mussolini's political movement adopted this symbol and name in the early 20th century to signify strength through unity and the absolute authority of the state. the english suffix -ist was then appended to form 'fascist', denoting an adherent of this ideology, transforming the literal image of a bound bundle into the abstract concept of a rigid, authoritarian political system.
Analysis
Structure: fasc (bundle) + ist (adherent)
fasc is from italian 'fascio', meaning "bundle, group", itself from latin 'fascis' (bundle). ist is an english agent suffix from greek -istes, via latin -ista, denoting an adherent of a practice or system.
Examples
the regime was overthrown by a coalition opposing the fascist dictator.
his rhetoric became increasingly fascist, promoting nationalist purity and suppressing dissent.
historians analyze the economic conditions that allowed fascist movements to gain power.