A regime (pronounced “reh-ZHEEM”) means a government or system of rule, especially one that exercises strong control over a country. When we talk about a regime, we're usually referring to the group of people in power and how they run things.

The word often carries a negative tone. A dictatorial regime might control what people can say, read, or watch, and punish those who disagree. North Korea's regime tightly controls nearly every aspect of citizens' lives. History books discuss brutal regimes like Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union under Stalin, where governments used force and fear to maintain power.

However, regime can be neutral too. Political scientists might study different regimes to understand how governments work, comparing democratic regimes (where citizens vote) with authoritarian regimes (where a single person or small group holds all power).

The word also appears in regime change, which means replacing one government with another, often through revolution, invasion, or election.

You might also hear regime used outside politics. A doctor might prescribe a regime of daily exercise and healthy eating. In this context, it simply means an organized system or plan. But when you hear regime on the news or in history class, it almost always means a government, usually one that rules with a heavy hand.