Meaning & Definition of Authoritarian in English

1. A person who behaves in a tyrannical manner

• "My boss is a dictator who makes everyone work overtime"

1. Characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule

• Having absolute sovereignty

• "An authoritarian regime"

• "Autocratic government"

• "Despotic rulers"

• "A dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war"

• "A tyrannical government"

2. Expecting unquestioning obedience

• "The timid child of authoritarian parents"

• "Insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter"