paternalism
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of paternalism
Explanation
When a government or authority acts like it's your daddy, that's paternalism. This is usually an unwelcome kindness, as it comes with complete control and a lot of condescending statements like "it's for your own good." The root word "paternal," meaning "like a father," is the clue to the word paternalism. The ism suffix turns the word into a noun. If you conquer a country and then look down on people for not speaking your language, then decide to stick around and help them out by making them do all the work while you make a lot of money, that would be one version of paternalism.
Vocabulary lists containing paternalism
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Chapters 27–28
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Paternalism in science is at work here, by jumping to the romantic conclusion that these animals are "monogamous."
From New York Times • Feb. 13, 2018
Paternalism “is part of our culture,” and it continues to permeate Italian society, she added.
From New York Times • Aug. 19, 2013
James AntiBr Nov 4th 2012 0:16 GMT A Brazilian Moses Asom would not rise to his full potential under the Paternalism system in Brazil.
From Economist • Oct. 28, 2012
On the surface, it seems the poor finally get a break in life under the "Paternalism System" he proposes.
From Economist • Oct. 28, 2012
Paternalism seeks to achieve its aims, quickly and effectively, through the boss's whip of social control.
From The Soul of Democracy The Philosophy of the World War in Relation to Human Liberty by Griggs, Edward Howard
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
