1. the political theory and practice of the Bolsheviks, emphasizing revolutionary socialism and the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat
Usage: historical; political theory
2. radical or extreme left-wing political views or activities
Usage: sometimes used pejoratively

Examples

• The rise of Bolshevism in Russia led to the 1917 Revolution.
• Lenin’s writings helped define the principles of Bolshevism.
• Many Western governments feared the spread of Bolshevism after World War I.
• The professor explained how Bolshevism differed from other socialist movements.
• Critics accused the protesters of promoting Bolshevism.
• Bolshevism emphasized the need for a vanguard party to lead the revolution.