Words / C1

or-thor-i-TAIRR-ee-uh-n/ɔːˌθɒrɪˈteəriən/

Authoritarian means demanding strict obedience and allowing little personal freedom: an authoritarian regime, an authoritarian management style. Strict is everyday and can still be fair; autocratic is a close synonym; totalitarian is stronger (the state seeks to control everything). Authority is legitimate power; authoritarian is a criticism of how power is used. In speech, controlling or heavy-handed is enough. Do not call a firm deadline authoritarian.

Meaning

Demanding strict obedience and allowing little personal freedom.

Examples

• “The school had an authoritarian style of management.”
• “The new head’s style was authoritarian: questions were treated as disloyalty.”
• “Authoritarian governments distrust independent universities.”

Good to know

Strict and controlling; little freedom. Close: autocratic. Stronger: totalitarian. Everyday: heavy-handed. Contrast: authority (can be legitimate).

Near in meaning

autocratic

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