Authoritarian describes a personality, government, or system of rule that demands strict obedience to authority, often at the expense of personal freedom and individual judgment. Authoritarianism is characterized by a strong central power, limited political freedoms, and the suppression of dissent. It prioritizes order and control above individual rights, employing strict rules, enforcement, and often, the use of force to maintain dominance. The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of democracy and a disregard for civil liberties. An authoritarian approach can be seen in various contexts, from parenting styles to political regimes.
Authoritarian meaning with examples
- The dictator ruled with an authoritarian hand, suppressing any form of opposition and controlling every aspect of public life, leaving citizens with no voice or autonomy to make personal choices.
- The teacher's authoritarian classroom management style, characterized by rigid rules and a zero-tolerance policy for disobedience, created a tense environment, stifling creativity and critical thinking among the students.
- His authoritarian parenting approach, marked by strict commands and a complete disregard for his children's opinions, fostered resentment and a lack of independent decision-making skills in his children.
- The company's authoritarian leadership structure, where employees were expected to follow orders without question and innovation was discouraged, led to low morale and a high rate of employee turnover.
Authoritarian Synonyms
autocratic despotic dictatorial domineering fascist oppressive totalitarian tyrannicalAuthoritarian Antonyms
collaborative democratic egalitarian laissez-faire liberal libertarian participatory permissiveAuthoritarian Crossword Answers
4 Letters
TSAR
5 Letters
STERN
6 Letters
TYRANT STRICT
8 Letters
MARTINET DICTATOR DESPOTIC TYRANNIC
10 Letters
AUTOCRATIC TYRANNICAL
11 Letters
DICTATORIAL OVERBEARING