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Definition of "authoritarian" []

  • Characterized by or favoring absolute obedience to authority, as against individual freedom: an authoritarian regime. (adjective)
  • Of, relating to, or expecting unquestioning obedience. See Synonyms at dictatorial. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "authoritarian" in a sentence
  • "The term authoritarian is used to describe an organization or a state which enforces strong and sometimes oppressive measures against those in its sphere of influence, generally without attempts at gaining their consent and often not allowing feedback on its policies."
  • "Frustrated by what they characterize as authoritarian work environments and less-generous pay scales - the typical new hire makes 30% less under the FAA's imposed terms - many veteran controllers have opted to retire in recent years."
  • "It openly proclaimed itself in favour of what it described as authoritarian rule."