kulak
- A term used in the former Soviet Union to describe a relatively affluent and land-owning peasant, often perceived as exploiting poorer peasants. During the early 20th century, kulaks were targeted by Soviet policies for their perceived resistance to collectivization. nounThe Soviet government implemented policies to eliminate the kulaks as a class.Many kulaks were deported or imprisoned during the collectivization efforts of the 1930s.
- In a broader sense, the term can also refer to any rural person who is considered wealthy or who employs others for agricultural work, often used pejoratively. nounHe was labeled a kulak by his neighbors due to his successful farming business.The term kulak was often used to stigmatize those who were more prosperous in rural communities.