big brother (big BRUTH-uhr) noun
1. An older brother.
2. A man who assumes the role of an older brother, as by
providing guidance or protection.
3. Also Big Brother. An omnipresent, seemingly benevolent
figure
representing the oppressive control over individual lives
exerted
by an authoritarian government. A state, an organization,
or a
leader regarded in this manner.
[Sense 3, after Big Brother, a character in the novel Nineteen
Eighty-Four
by George Orwell.]
"When all states comply with the federal mandates currently
being
enacted, there will exist a nationwide network that will make
Big
Brother look like Baby Huey."
Fay Faron, Technology keeps heat on deadbeat dad, The Dallas
Morning News, 23 Aug 1996.
This week's theme: eponyms from fiction.
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