Meaning & use
authoritarianism
Last updated
A political system or attitude that favors strict obedience to authority and limits individual freedom.
See it in a sentence
The country slid into authoritarianism after the military took control of the government.
Critics accused the new policy of reflecting authoritarianism within the school administration.
A note on using this word
Differs from totalitarianism in that authoritarian regimes control political power but don't necessarily seek to control every aspect of citizens' lives.
Words with a similar meaning
despotismautocracy
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Words with an opposite meaning
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