authoritarian
authoritarian Lexical Profile
authoritarian Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.
"The country transitioned from an authoritarian regime to a representative democracy over the course of a decade."
Showing a lack of concern for the wishes or opinions of others; domineering and dictatorial in personal or professional conduct.
"His authoritarian management style stifled creativity and discouraged employees from sharing new ideas."
• noun
A person who favors or enforces strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom; an autocrat or domineering leader.
"Historians have noted how the crisis allowed a shrewd authoritarian to consolidate power over the legislature."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'authoritarian' with 'authoritative': 'authoritarian' carries a negative connotation of demanding strict, unquestioning obedience at the expense of personal freedom, whereas 'authoritative' is a positive term meaning reliable, accurate, and commanding respect through expertise.
• Rhymes for authoritarian
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-19th century from 'authority' plus the suffix '-arian', modeled on earlier political and philosophical terms such as 'humanitarian' and 'utilitarian'. 'Authority' ultimately derives from the Latin 'auctoritas', meaning invention, advice, opinion, or command.