The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

authoritarian

IPA:

Dictionary definition of authoritarian

Strict obedience to authority, often at the expense of individual freedom and liberty.
"The authoritarian government had complete control over the media."

Detailed meaning of authoritarian

It refers to a situation where a leader or governing body exercises significant control over the lives and actions of its citizens, and may limit their ability to speak out or express dissenting opinions. An authoritarian system may be characterized by a lack of democratic processes, such as free and fair elections, and may rely on coercion or force to maintain its power. The term 'authoritarian' can also be used to describe a person or organization that exhibits these same characteristics of strict control and limited individual freedom. Overall, the term 'authoritarian' is used to describe a system or individual that values obedience to authority over individual freedom and liberty, and relies on strict control to maintain its power.

Example sentences containing authoritarian

1. The authoritarian regime tightly controls the media.
2. Authoritarian leaders often suppress political dissent.
3. Citizens in authoritarian states have limited freedoms.
4. The government's authoritarian policies sparked protests.
5. Authoritarian regimes rely on surveillance to maintain control.
6. The president's authoritarian tendencies are concerning.

History and etymology of authoritarian

The adjective 'authoritarian' has its etymological roots in the word 'authority.' It is formed by adding the suffix '-ian,' which means 'relating to' or 'characterized by,' to 'authority.' Therefore, 'authoritarian' can be understood as something that pertains to or is characterized by a strict adherence to authority. In political and social contexts, it describes a system or approach that emphasizes centralized control and obedience to authority figures or institutions, often at the expense of individual freedoms and liberties. 'Authoritarian' systems typically prioritize the authority of the state or ruling entity over individual rights and democratic principles. The etymology of 'authoritarian' underscores its focus on the enforcement of authority, highlighting the hierarchical and often restrictive nature of such systems.

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Further usage examples of authoritarian

1. In an authoritarian society, civil liberties are restricted.
2. Authoritarian governments often censor the internet.
3. The party's authoritarian rule stifles opposition.
4. The police use authoritarian tactics to quell protests.
5. Authoritarian leaders consolidate power through propaganda.
6. Authoritarian regimes often lack checks and balances.
7. The country's authoritarian policies drew international criticism.
8. The authoritarian state tightly regulates the economy.
9. Living under an authoritarian government can be oppressive.
10. The authoritarian regime's human rights abuses are well-documented.
11. Authoritarian leaders often centralize authority in themselves.
12. The regime's authoritarian grip on power seems unshakable.
13. The authoritarian ruler's control extends to all aspects of life.
14. The transition from authoritarianism to democracy is challenging.
15. The government's authoritarian policies led to widespread protests among the populace.
16. The company's authoritarian management style left little room for creative input from the employees.
17. Historians often debate the impact of authoritarian rule on the development of various societies.
18. The principal’s authoritarian approach was effective in maintaining discipline but stifled student creativity.
19. Some citizens were supportive of the authoritarian measures taken during the crisis to ensure public safety.
20. The novel depicted a dystopian future dominated by authoritarian regimes.
21. The teacher’s authoritarian manner made the students too afraid to ask questions.
22. Scholars analyze how authoritarian parenting styles can affect children’s psychological development.
23. The rebels aimed to overthrow the authoritarian dictator and establish a democratic government.
24. The company switched from an authoritarian to a more participative leadership style, which boosted employee morale.
25. The constitution was amended to prevent any individual from establishing an authoritarian rule.
26. She read various books to understand the nuances between authoritarian and totalitarian systems of government.