nanny state

American  

noun

1. a government perceived as authoritarian, interfering, or overprotective.

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nanny state British  

noun

1. a government that makes decisions for people that they might otherwise make for themselves, esp those relating to private and personal behaviour

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Etymology

Origin of nanny state

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

It’s the nanny state for dolphins.

From The Wall Street Journal

Personal choice v nanny state; realism v idealism – there are few medical conditions that stir up such heated debate.

From BBC

His frustration highlights the yawning gap in trust and understanding that has opened up between European farmers and what they increasingly see as a nanny state looking into every nook and cranny of their barns, analyzing how every drop of liquid manure is spread.

From Seattle Times

Sir Keir Starmer defended plans to have supervised tooth-brushing sessions in some schools, and warned anyone calling it the "nanny state" to "bring it on".

From BBC

Asked if he minded his policies being labelled "the nanny state", Sir Keir said: "I'm absolutely up for that fight."

From BBC