paternalistic

[ puh-tur-nl-is-tik ]
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adjective
  1. (of governance, management, or behavior) based in a system positing that authority knows best; outwardly benevolent, but often in a condescending or controlling way:In the paternalistic model of medicine, the doctor adopts the role of decision-maker and dictates what would be best for the patient.We sought a less paternalistic and more enabling role for the school board, one guided by community engagement and support.

Origin of paternalistic

1

Other words from paternalistic

  • pa·ter·nal·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024