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Webster 1913 Edition

Politics

Pol′i-tics

,
Noun.
[Cf. F.
politique
, Gr. [GREEK] (sc.[GREEK]). See
Politic
.]
1.
The science of government; that part of ethics which has to do with the regulation and government of a nation or state, the preservation of its safety, peace, and prosperity, the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.
2.
The management of a political party; the conduct and contests of parties with reference to political measures or the administration of public affairs; the advancement of candidates to office; in a bad sense, artful or dishonest management to secure the success of political candidates or parties; political trickery.
When we say that two men are talking
politics
, we often mean that they are wrangling about some mere party question.
F. W. Robertson.

Webster 1828 Edition

Politics

POL'ITICS

,
Noun.
The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals. Politics, as a science or an art, is a subject of vast extent and importance.

Definition 2024

politics

politics

See also: polítics

English

Noun

politics ‎(countable and uncountable, plural politics)

  1. (countable) A methodology and activities associated with running a government, an organization, or a movement.
    • 1996, Jan Jindy Pettman, Worlding Women: A feminist international politics, pages ix-x:
      There are by now many feminisms (Tong, 1989; Humm, 1992). [...] They are in shifting alliance or contest with postmodern critiques, which at times seem to threaten the very category 'women' and its possibilities for a feminist politics.
  2. (countable) The profession of conducting political affairs.
    He made a career out of politics.
  3. (countable) One's political stands and opinions.
    Their politics are clear from the bumper stickers on their cars.
  4. (uncountable) Political maneuvers or diplomacy between people, groups, or organizations, especially involving power, influence or conflict.
    There's too much politics in this organization.

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

External links

  • politics in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • politics in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

Etymology

From the adjective politic, by analogy with Aristotle’s "τα πολιτικά" ('affairs of state').

Pronunciation

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