paternalistic

[puh-tur-nl-is-tik]

adjective

1. (of governance, management, or behavior) based in a system positing that authority knows best; outwardly benevolent, but often in a condescending or controlling way.

   In the paternalistic model of medicine, the doctor adopts the role of decision-maker and dictates what would be best for the patient.

   We sought a less paternalistic and more enabling role for the school board, one guided by community engagement and support.

Other Word Forms

• paternalistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of paternalistic¹

paternal ( def. ) + -istic ( def. )

Example Sentences

It said the current system requiring approval from two doctors was "anachronistic, paternalistic and failed to reflect best modern practice".

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“The evidence shows that the more a patient gets involved in their own care, the better the outcomes. In the future, primary-care doctors could act more as expert consultants rather than paternalistic bosses to patients.”

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“In the future, primary-care doctors could act more as expert consultants rather than paternalistic bosses to patients.”

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There’s lots of paternalistic Daddy talk these days that centers on the need to “protect the American people.”

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Many social media users criticised the ban as sexist, invasive, and paternalistic.

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Related Words

• condescending 
• patronizing