Authoritarian

/ɔːˌθɔːrɪˈtɛəriən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who advocates or enforces strict obedience to authority.

The authoritarian imposed his beliefs on the committee, disregarding any alternative viewpoints.

adjective

Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.

The country was ruled by an authoritarian regime that suppressed any form of dissent.

Relating to a governance system where individual freedoms are subordinated to the authority of the state.

Authoritarian policies often limit civil liberties and stifle political opposition.

Derived from 'authority' with the suffix '-arian' indicating belonging or relating to.

authoritarian regime

A government that concentrates power in a leader or small group and limits political freedoms.

authoritarian rule

Governance characterized by strong central power linked with limited political freedom.

authoritarian personality

A personality type that prefers conformity and submission to authority.

autocracy

A system of government by one person with absolute power.

totalitarian

Relating to a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state.

despotism

The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.

A control freak

He's such a control freak; he runs his group with an authoritarian style.

Bossy boots

She can be a real bossy boots, always insisting on her authority.