paternalism

[ puh-tur-nl-iz-uh m ]

/ pəˈtɜr nlˌɪz əm /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR paternalism ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the system, principle, or practice of managing or governing individuals, businesses, nations, etc., in the manner of a father dealing benevolently and often intrusively with his children: The employees objected to the paternalism of the old president.

RELATED WORDS

condescendence

Nearby words

patentor, pater, pater patriae, paterfamilias, paternal, paternalism, paternity, paternity leave, paternity suit, paternity test, paternoster

Origin of paternalism

First recorded in 1880–85; paternal + -ism

Related forms

pa·ter·nal·ist, noun, adjectivepa·ter·nal·is·tic, adjectivepa·ter·nal·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for paternalism

It reinforces the censoriousness and paternalism present among Obama and his allies.
The GOP’s Huge, Growing Modernity Gap|Lloyd Green|June 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Firstly, he argues for a strong dose of paternalism, and the importance of “moral and intellectual authority” in our schools.
David's Book Club: From Family Collapse to America's Decline|Bryce McNitt|April 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Here is paternalism and socialism and John Lawism all combined.
Principles of Political Economy|Arthur Latham Perry
Governmentalism and paternalism have always been evils, Mr. Flower asserts.
The Arena|Various

The cry of paternalism is quickly raised, on the one hand, of socialism, on the other.
Euthenics, the science of controllable environment|Ellen H. Richards
But this essential of paternalism must be lacking in the republic.
The Arena|Various
The paternalism of the French government is a wonderful thing.
Rambles in Normandy|Francis Miltoun

British Dictionary definitions for paternalism

paternalism

/ (pəˈtɜːnəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

the attitude or policy of a government or other authority that manages the affairs of a country, company, community, etc, in the manner of a father, esp in usurping individual responsibility and the liberty of choice

Derived Forms

paternalist, noun, adjectivepaternalistic, adjectivepaternalistically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012