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

Origin of paternalism

First recorded in 1880–85; paternal + -ism

Related formspa·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 Formspaternalist, 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

Word Origin and History for paternalism

paternalism

"feeling of a father for his children," 1851; "government as by a father over his children," 1866, from paternal + -ism. Related: Paternalistic (1890).