big brother

1 of 1noun

/ˈbɪg brʌ.ðər/

a powerful person or organization that invades people's privacy by controlling and monitoring their actions

The idiom "big brother" originated from George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984," published in 1949. In the novel, "Big Brother" symbolizes an all-powerful and oppressive government that maintains constant surveillance over its citizens, suppressing individual freedoms and manipulating their thoughts and actions. The character of Big Brother represents the embodiment of a totalitarian regime that exercises complete control and instills a sense of fear and conformity. It is commonly used in discussions about government surveillance, privacy concerns, and the erosion of personal freedoms.

The new surveillance measures implemented by the government have raised concerns about living in a "big brother" society.
In the workplace, employees often feel like they are constantly being watched, creating a "big brother" atmosphere that stifles creativity.
With the rise of social media, people are willingly sacrificing their privacy, unknowingly inviting a "big brother" presence into their lives.
The installation of security cameras on every street corner has given rise to a "big brother" culture where personal freedom feels threatened.
As technology advances, the potential for governments to become "big brother" entities, tracking our every move, becomes a growing concern.

an older brother