Definitions for mccarthyismməˈkɑr θiˌɪz əm

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

Mc•Car•thy•ismməˈkɑr θiˌɪz əm(n.)

  1. the use of unsubstantiated accusations or unfair investigative techniques in an attempt to expose disloyalty or subversion.

    Category: Government

Origin of McCarthyism:

1950,Amer.; after J. R. McCarthy ; see -ism

Mc•Car′thy•ite`(n.)

Princeton's WordNet

  1. McCarthyism(noun)

    unscrupulously accusing people of disloyalty (as by saying they were Communists)

Wiktionary

  1. McCarthyism(Noun)

    The mass pressure, harassment, and/or blacklisting used to pressure people to follow popular political beliefs.

  2. McCarthyism(ProperNoun)

    The intense opposition, countering, fear and/or suspicion of Communism, particularly in the United States during the 1950s.

  3. Origin: Named for United States Senator Joseph McCarthy. Originates from a 1950 Washington Post political cartoon by Herbert Block.


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