Authoritarianism is a term that is often used in political discussions, but what does it actually mean? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of authoritarian, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
An authoritarian is a person or government that has complete control over a group of people or a country. Authoritarians often use force and intimidation to maintain their power and control.
Origin
The word authoritarian comes from the Latin word “auctoritas,” which means “authority.” The term was first used in the 19th century to describe political systems that were characterized by a strong central government and limited individual freedoms.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an authoritarian is “marked by or favoring a concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines authoritarian as “favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.”
Associations
Authoritarianism is often associated with dictators, totalitarian regimes, and oppressive governments. It is also associated with a lack of individual freedoms and human rights abuses.
Synonyms
Synonyms of authoritarian include autocrat, despot, tyrant, and dictator.
Antonyms
Antonyms of authoritarian include democratic, liberal, and egalitarian.
The same root words
Other words that have the same root as authoritarian include authority, authorship, and authenticate.
Example Sentences
- The country was ruled by an authoritarian government that suppressed dissent and free speech.
- The CEO of the company was an authoritarian who made all the decisions without consulting his employees.
- The teacher had an authoritarian teaching style and did not allow any discussion or debate in the classroom.