authoritarian

[uh-thawr-i-tair-ee-uhn, uh-thor-]

adjective

1. favoring complete obedience or subjection to authority as opposed to individual freedom.

   authoritarian principles; authoritarian attitudes.

2. of or relating to a governmental or political system, principle, or practice in which individual freedom is held as completely subordinate to the power or authority of the state, centered either in one person or a small group that is not constitutionally accountable to the people.

3. exercising complete or almost complete control over the will of another or of others.

   an authoritarian parent.

noun

1. a person who favors or acts according to authoritarian principles.

authoritarian

/ ɔːˌθɒrɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. favouring, denoting, or characterized by strict obedience to authority

2. favouring, denoting, or relating to government by a small elite with wide powers

3. despotic; dictatorial; domineering

noun

1. a person who favours or practises authoritarian policies

Other Word Forms

• authoritarianism noun
• antiauthoritarian adjective
• antiauthoritarianism noun
• nonauthoritarian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of authoritarian¹

First recorded in 1875–80; authorit(y) + -arian

Example Sentences

It’s important to remind ourselves: American cities are under attack by an American president, who is using federal power and the military as part of his authoritarian power grab.

From Salon

He said Carr’s tactics were “un-American” and likened them to what happens in authoritarian countries such as Russia.

From Los Angeles Times

What does the data and other evidence tell us about the rise of autocracy and authoritarian populism and forms of illiberalism around the world?

From Salon

The author argues that Kimmel should return to television undaunted and refuse to self-censor his comedy, viewing this as a crucial test of whether Americans will bend to authoritarian pressure through fear.

From Los Angeles Times

As fast as he is achieving his authoritarian goals, he may lose it all just as quickly.

From Salon

Related Words

• autocratic 
• dictatorial 
• imperious 
• rigid 
• strict 
• totalitarian 
• tyrannical