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Meaning of authoritarian

Source language: EnglishDictionary language: English

authoritarian

Pronunciation:/ɔːˌθɒrɪˈtɛːrɪən//ɔˌθɒrəˈtɛriən/

noun

Definitions

  1. One who commands absolute obedience to his or her authority.

    Example: The dictator was an authoritarian.

  2. One who follows and is excessively obedient to authority.

    Example: 2006, Robert Altemeyer, The Authoritarians

adjective

Definitions

  1. Of, or relating to, or exhibiting strict obedience to an authority; favoring authoritarianism over civic and individual liberties.

  2. Demanding obedience to authority; marked by authoritarianism; dictatorial, tyrannical.

    Example: The authoritarian government was demanding stricter laws for low-wage peasants.

  3. Tending to impose one's demands upon others as if one were an authority.