regime
ray-ZHEEM
/reɪˈʒiːm/
A government, especially an authoritarian one, or a system or planned way of doing things.
In political news, 'regime' frequently carries a subtle negative or critical tone implying authoritarian illegitimacy.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from Old French 'régime' and Latin 'regimen' (direction, rule). It originally referred simply to a mode of management, but modern foreign policy terminology heavily uses it for authoritarian systems.
Word relationships
- administration: Administration is neutral and typically used for democratic governments.
Commonly confused with
- regimen: Regimen refers to a prescribed course of medical treatment, diet, or exercise.
Collocations
- authoritarian regime
- regime change
- oppressive regime
- totalitarian regime
Example sentences
- "International sanctions were imposed to pressure the repressive regime into restoring human rights." International News
Memory hook
REGIME sounds like REIGN over a system. System of rule.
When not to use
Do not use 'regime' as a direct synonym for 'administration' when describing a democratically elected government unless carrying a critical angle.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'regime change' entered common English geopolitical discourse during the late 20th century.
Related words
Explore more words
regimen, authoritarian, totalitarian, dogma, overthrow, legitimacy
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