authoritarian meaning
UK US /əˌθɔrəˈtɛriən/ 6 syllables
authoritarian (adjective): characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty.
authoritarian has 3 meanings in this dictionary, as adjective and noun.
authoritarian as an adjective
- characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty
- an authoritarian regime
- autocratic government
- despotic rulers
- a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war
- a tyrannical government
Synonyms: autocratic, dictatorial, despotic, tyrannic, tyrannical
Similar: undemocratic
- expecting unquestioning obedience
- the timid child of authoritarian parents
- insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter
Synonyms: dictatorial, overbearing
Similar: domineering
authoritarian as a noun
- a person who behaves in a tyrannical manner
- my boss is a dictator who makes everyone work overtime
Synonyms: dictator
Type of: oppressor
Kinds: Big Brother, martinet
How to pronounce authoritarian
authoritarian is pronounced /əˌθɔrəˈtɛriən/ in American English. It has 6 syllables, with the stress on the fourth syllable.
Words that rhyme with authoritarian
Scrabble score: 16 (letter breakdown)
Word lists: words starting with AU · words ending in AN · 13-letter words
More about authoritarian on Wikipedia.