politics

noun5

1. •
   the activity of running a government or any other large group

   • Most broadly, politics is everything that humans do, short of warfare, to influence or control each other; more narrowly, it is everything they do in a civilian context to determine the definitions of their polity, state, and government.
   • War is the continuation of politics by other means; war is politics with the addition of hyperviolence and extra-⁠civilian scope.
2. •
   Political maneuvers or diplomacy between people, groups, or organizations, especially involving power, standing, influence or conflict.

   • There is no stability; only politics. The Republic is not what it once was. The Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates. There is no interest in the common good. — 1999
3. •
   One's political stands and opinions.

   • Their politics are clear from the bumper stickers on their cars.
4. •
   The profession of conducting political affairs.

   • He made a career out of politics.
5. •
   (informal) Real-world beliefs and social issues irrelevant to the topic at hand.

   • We're trying to talk about comic books, don't mention politics.