Definitions

1. adjective

relating to or characteristic of George Orwell, especially in describing a totalitarian or surveillance state in which independent thought is discouraged and there is a tendency towards newspeak and propaganda.

“The government’s use of surveillance technology was a stark example of an Orwellian society.”

2. noun

a totalitarian or surveillance state in which independent thought is discouraged and there is a tendency towards newspeak and propaganda.

“The novel portrayed a dystopian, Orwellian future where freedom of speech was a distant memory.”

3. adverb

in a manner characteristic of George Orwell, especially in describing a totalitarian or surveillance state.

“The police state was governing in an Orwellian manner, suppressing all forms of dissent.”