Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mccarthyism

Noun

/məˈkärTHēˌizəm/

Definition

A political practice characterized by the making of accusations of subversion or treason without proper regard for evidence.

Examples

During the era of McCarthyism, many innocent people were accused of being communists.
The McCarthyism movement instilled fear in many Americans.
Some argue that McCarthyism was a dark chapter in American history.

Meaning

McCarthyism refers to the intense anti-communist period in the United States during the early 1950s, named after Senator Joseph McCarthy, who led efforts to root out supposed communists from government, entertainment, and other sectors.