neo-nazi
Meaning
A person who holds political beliefs similar to those of the Nazis, especially racism, nationalism, and authoritarianism, in a modern context.
Structure
Usage
The documentary examined the rise of neo-nazi groups across Europe.
He was arrested for distributing neo-nazi propaganda online.
The community organized a rally to counter the neo-nazi demonstration.
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, formed in the mid-20th century after World War II. The prefix "neo-", from Greek, signifies a revival or new version of an older ideology. It is attached to "Nazi," the abbreviated name for Adolf Hitler's National Socialist German Workers' Party. The compound literally means "new Nazi," and it logically describes individuals or groups who adopt and adapt the core tenets of historical Nazism—such as extreme nationalism, racial supremacy, and totalitarianism—within a contemporary setting, often while denying or minimizing the historical atrocities.
Analysis
neo: From Greek neos meaning "new, young, recent". Acts as a combining form prefix in English. nazi: A shortening of the German Nationalsozialist (National Socialist), the name of the political party led by Adolf Hitler. Acts as the root noun.