[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. |
| pa·ter·nal·ism (pə-tûr'nə-lĭz'əm) n. A policy or practice of treating or governing people in a fatherly manner, especially by providing for their needs without giving them rights or responsibilities. pa·ter'nal·ist adj. & n., pa·ter'nal·is'tic adj., pa·ter'nal·is'ti·cal·ly adv. |