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Definition of "patriarchy" []

  • A social system in which the father is the head of the family and men have authority over women and children. (noun)
  • A family, community, or society based on this system or governed by men. (noun)

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 "patriarchy" in a sentence
  • "Can you sing the word 'abortion,' can you sing the word 'patriarchy'--what can you sing and get away with?"
  • "Perhaps the term patriarchy - the unequal share of power society accords to men and male concerns - may seem old-fashioned."
  • "Broadly speaking, feminism gathers these structures under the label patriarchy or male dominance."