Definition of the word fascism

The word "fascism" originated from the Latin "fascis," meaning a bundle of rods. In ancient Rome, a "fasces" was a symbol of power and authority, typically carried by a lictor, a law enforcement officer who served a magistrate. The term "fascism" was first used to describe the Italian Nationalist Association (ANI) by Italian journalist and politician Benito Mussolini in 1919. Mussolini intended to evoke the idea of a strong centralized state, drawing its power from the people. The term was later adopted by fascist movements in other European countries. Despite its origins as a symbol of authority, "fascism" now connotes authoritarianism, nationalism, and extremism, often tied to anti-democratic and anti-liberal ideologies.