authoritarianism Definition
- 1the enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom
- 2a political system based on the principle of absolute power and authority, typically with suppression of individual freedom
Using authoritarianism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "authoritarianism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The country's shift towards authoritarianism has been met with widespread protests.
Example
The regime's authoritarianism was marked by censorship and repression of dissenting voices.
Example
The book explores the psychological roots of authoritarianism and its impact on society.
authoritarianism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for authoritarianism
- totalitarianism
- despotism
- tyranny
- dictatorship
Antonyms for authoritarianism
Phrases with authoritarianism
a system in which the government exercises significant control over economic activity, often through state ownership or regulation
Example
The country's economic authoritarianism has led to a lack of innovation and investment.
a system in which the government exercises significant control over cultural expression, often through censorship or propaganda
Example
The regime's cultural authoritarianism extended to the arts and media, with many works being banned or censored.
a system in which the government exercises significant control over religious expression, often through restrictions or persecution of certain beliefs or practices
Example
The country's religious authoritarianism has led to the suppression of minority religions and the persecution of religious dissidents.
Origins of authoritarianism
from 'authoritarian' + '-ism'
Summary: authoritarianism in Brief
Authoritarianism [uh-thawr-i-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm] refers to the enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. It can also denote a political system based on the principle of absolute power and authority, typically with suppression of individual freedom. Examples of authoritarianism include censorship, repression, and persecution of dissenting voices. The term extends into phrases like 'economic authoritarianism,' 'cultural authoritarianism,' and 'religious authoritarianism,' denoting government control over economic, cultural, and religious expression.