orbanization

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

The process by which a (typically Western) democracy becomes undemocratic as an authoritarian leader takes control of its institutions and degrades the rule of law in order to remain in power.

Register: derogatory, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English
Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “orbanization” mean?

The process by which a (typically Western) democracy becomes undemocratic as an authoritarian leader takes control of its institutions and degrades the rule of law in order to remain in power.

Is “orbanization” formal or informal?

orbanization is generally derogatory, slang.