Big Brother

Definition

Unwarranted, invasive, and discreet surveillance, especially of a people by its government.

Etymology

After the nominal leader of Oceania in George Orwell's dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Example Sentences

• "Some people are worried about marketing calls at dinnertime or junk mail or spam, while others are more concerned about Big Brother."
• "When one mentions the concepts of identity and governance in the same breath, a virtually autonomic response from many is the concern that a governmental big brother will soon be looking over their shoulders."
• "Holonym: the System"