paternalistic

[puh-tur-nl-is-tik]

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.

Other Word Forms

• paternalistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of paternalistic¹

paternal ( def. ) + -istic ( def. )

Example Sentences

Many social media users criticised the ban as sexist, invasive, and paternalistic.

From BBC

"It may sound paternalistic, but midwives believed they were looking after mums and babies incredibly well."

From BBC

It gets hearty laughs by flattening Russell’s Walker — a tragic Afghanistan veteran confused by the government’s inconsistency about when he’s allowed to kill — into a spoof of bossy, paternalistic privilege.

From Los Angeles Times

The protection of women — purportedly a benevolent, paternalistic gesture — has instead been historically grounded in and applied for the purposes of controlling women.

From Salon

“I know for some women that’s very scary and all, but it’s almost a paternalistic kind of view.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• condescending 
• patronizing