What did the term McCarthyism become a catchword for

McCarthyism became a catchword for charges and accusations against other Americans.

During the era after World War II, the fear of communism spread throughout the US as America and the Soviet Union competed for global power and influence. This constant fear and paranoia of communism was only fueled by Senator Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy accused numerous people of being communist, including members of the State Department and even members of the American military. These types of accusations increased suspicion in the US and caused American citizens to turn on each other.