paternalism
[puh-tur-nl-iz-uh m]
- 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.
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Origin of paternalism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for paternalism
Contemporary Examples
It reinforces the censoriousness and paternalism present among Obama and his allies.
Firstly, he argues for a strong dose of paternalism, and the importance of “moral and intellectual authority” in our schools.
Historical Examples
Governmentalism and paternalism have always been evils, Mr. Flower asserts.
The ArenaVarious
No, paternalism is not dependable, granting that it is desirable.
A Preface to PoliticsWalter Lippmann
Of course, the paternalism can be overdone and unwisely done.
Working With the Working WomanCornelia Stratton Parker
Such were the transatlantic workings of the paternalism of Versailles.
A Half Century of Conflict - Volume IFrancis Parkman
Irresponsible absolutism has been giving way slowly to paternalism.
SocietyHenry Kalloch Rowe
paternalism
- 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
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for paternalism
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper