Definition of: communism

(kom′yə·niz′əm) noun
1. A social system in which there is community of goods.
2. A theory of social change conceived by Karl Marx, directed to the ideal of a classless society. As developed by Lenin and others, it advocates seizure of power by a conspiratorial political party, maintenance of power during an interim period by stern suppression of internal opposition, centralized public ownership of almost all productive property and the sharing of the products of labor, and mmitment to the ultimate goal of a world–wide communist state.
3. Any social theory that calls for the abolition of private property and control by the community over economic affairs.
4. Often cap. a The system in force in any state based on this theory. b The doctrines and practices of the Communist party of any state; specifically, of the Communist party of the U.S.S.R.
—com′mu·nist noun