1.A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government; opposed to democracy and liberalism.
2.An authoritarian system of government under absolute control of a single dictator, allowing no political opposition, forcibly suppressing dissent, and rigidly controlling most industrial and economic activities. Such regimes usually try to achieve popularity by a strongly nationalistic appeal, often mixed with racism.
3.Specifically, the Fascist movement led by Benito Mussolini in Italy from 1922 to 1943.
4.Broadly, a tendency toward or support of a strongly authoritarian or dictatorial control of government or other organizations; often used pejoratively in this sense.
