What does regime mean?
Regime most commonly means a system of government, especially one that is authoritarian, repressive, or otherwise exercises unusually strong power. The word can also refer more broadly to any organized system of government, management, or control, as in a strict regime of security or a corporate regime of rules. It is often used in reporting about political power, coups, oppressive governments, and transitions of authority, and it can carry a strongly critical or negative connotation when it describes an authoritarian government. Although regime is related in origin and pronunciation to regimen, the words now have different meanings: a regimen is a prescribed plan for health, diet, exercise, study, or similar activity. Understanding regime requires recognizing both its political prominence and its broader, more neutral sense of an established governing arrangement.
nounA regime is a system of government, especially one that exercises strong or authoritarian power. More broadly, it can mean an organized system, arrangement, or set of rules governing an institution or activity.
- A system of government, especially an authoritarian or strongly centralized one.
- A system, arrangement, or set of rules governing an organization, activity, or period.
- A government or administration regarded as a governing power.
"The regime collapsed after months of public unrest."
"The military regime refused to relinquish power."
"The museum operates under a strict regime of security and conservation."
The plural is used for distinct systems of government, administrations, or organized arrangements.
"The two regimes negotiated a temporary ceasefire."
From the same Latin root meaning “rule” or “management,” regime evolved from the idea of governing into the name for the system that does the governing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does regime come from?
Regime entered English from French régime, which was borrowed from Latin regimen, meaning “rule,” “direction,” or “management.” Latin regimen itself was derived from regere, “to rule” or “to direct.” Through French usage, the word came to denote a government or system of rule, and it was later extended to other organized systems and arrangements.
How regime is actually used
In contemporary English, regime most often refers to a political government, particularly an authoritarian one. It can also be used more broadly for an established system or set of conditions, though in medical contexts regimen is normally preferred.
Easily confused with regime
A regime is a political system or governing authority, whereas a regimen is a prescribed routine for health, diet, or study.