Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈɛkə] (IPA) 
The word "cheka" is typically spelled with the letters C, H, E, K, and A. In IPA (phonetic) transcription, it is spelled /ˈtʃɛkə/. The first sound, /tʃ/, represents the "ch" sound that is made by combining the /t/ and /ʃ/ sounds. The second sound, /ɛ/, is a short "e" vowel sound. The third sound, /k/, represents the hard "k" sound, and the final sound, /ə/, is a schwa sound that is often written with the letter "a".
Cheka is a noun that refers to a term used to describe the secret police force that existed in Soviet Russia, particularly during the early years of the Soviet Union. The Cheka was established in 1917 by Lenin and led by Felix Dzerzhinsky, with its primary function being the surveillance and suppression of counterrevolutionary activities.
Derived from the Russian word "чека" (cheka) meaning "emergency commission," the term later became synonymous with the Russian word for "check," embodying the aim of scrutinizing and controlling potential enemies of the state. The Cheka operated with exceptional powers including the authority to arrest, interrogate, and execute suspected enemies, which made it notorious for its ruthless tactics and human rights abuses.
Under the Cheka's jurisdiction, political opponents, dissidents, and those deemed a threat to the socialist revolution were subjected to surveillance, imprisonment, and often summary execution. The Cheka played a significant role in establishing and maintaining the totalitarian regime of the Soviet Union. Its legacy is strongly associated with fear, persecution, and repression, becoming a symbol of the repressive apparatus employed by authoritarian regimes around the world.
In summary, cheka refers to the secret police force established in Soviet Russia, instrumental in suppressing opposition and ensuring the dominance of the ruling regime.
The term "cheka" (ЧК) originated in the Soviet Union and served as an acronym for "Vserossiyskaya Chrezvychaynaya Komissiya po Borbe s Kontrrevolyutsiey i Sabotazhem" (Всероссийская Чрезвычайная Комиссия по Борьбе с Контрреволюцией и Саботажем), which translates to "All-Russian Extraordinary Commission for Combating Counter-revolution and Sabotage". The organization, commonly known in English as the Cheka, was formed in December 1917 and was an early Soviet secret police force. The term "cheka" became a colloquial expression referring to any similar secret police or intelligence agency.
