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authoritarian - 2 dictionary results

au⋅thor⋅i⋅tar⋅i⋅an

[uh-thawr-i-tair-ee-uhn, uh-thor-]
–adjective
1. favoring complete obedience or subjection to authority as opposed to individual freedom: authoritarian principles; authoritarian attitudes.
2. of or pertaining to a governmental or political system, principle, or practice in which individual freedom is held as completely subordinate to the power or authority of the state, centered either in one person or a small group that is not constitutionally accountable to the people.
3. exercising complete or almost complete control over the will of another or of others: an authoritarian parent.
–noun
4. a person who favors or acts according to authoritarian principles.

Origin:
1875–80; authorit(y) + -arian


au⋅thor⋅i⋅tar⋅i⋅an⋅ism, noun
au·thor·i·tar·i·an   (ə-thôr'ĭ-târ'ē-ən, ə-thŏr'-, ô-thôr'-, ô-thŏr'-)   
adj.  
  1. Characterized by or favoring absolute obedience to authority, as against individual freedom: an authoritarian regime.
  2. Of, relating to, or expecting unquestioning obedience. See Synonyms at dictatorial.
au·thor'i·tar'i·an n., au·thor'i·tar'i·an·ism n.
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