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Webster 1913 Edition


Machiavellianism

{

Mach′i-a-vel-ism

,

Machˊi-a-vel′lian-ism

, }
Noun.
[Cf. F.
machiavélisme
; It.
machiavellismo
.]
The supposed principles of
Machiavelli
, or practice in conformity to them; political artifice, intended to favor arbitrary power.

Definition 2024


Machiavellianism

Machiavellianism

English

Alternative forms

Noun

Machiavellianism (countable and uncountable, plural Machiavellianisms)

  1. A political philosophy, based on the writings of Machiavelli, especially The Prince, that advocates the use of ruthlessness and duplicity in political dealings.
  2. A political maneuver that exemplifies the philosophy.
  3. Any ruthless, duplicitous behavior.

Synonyms

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