authoritarian

[uh-thawr-i-tair-ee-uhn]

authoritarian Definition

  • 1favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom
  • 2showing a lack of concern for the wishes or opinions of others; dictatorial

Using authoritarian: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "authoritarian" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The country was ruled by an authoritarian regime.

  • Example

    The teacher had an authoritarian approach to discipline.

  • Example

    The boss was criticized for his authoritarian management style.

authoritarian Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with authoritarian

  • a personality type characterized by excessive conformity, submissiveness to authority, and intolerance of ambiguity

    Example

    People with an authoritarian personality are more likely to support authoritarian leaders.

  • a government system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group of leaders who are not constitutionally responsible to the people

    Example

    North Korea is an example of an authoritarian government.

  • the exercise of power and control by a government or leader without regard for democratic principles or the rule of law

    Example

    The country experienced a period of authoritarian rule before transitioning to democracy.

Origins of authoritarian

from authority + -ian

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Summary: authoritarian in Brief

The term 'authoritarian' [uh-thawr-i-tair-ee-uhn] describes favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, often at the expense of personal freedom. It can also refer to a lack of concern for the wishes or opinions of others, exemplified by 'The boss was criticized for his authoritarian management style.' 'Authoritarian' extends into phrases like 'authoritarian government,' and 'authoritarian rule,' denoting a concentration of power in the hands of a single leader or a small group of leaders. Synonyms include 'dictatorial,' 'autocratic,' and 'tyrannical.'