Words / C1

p-uh-TURN-uh-liz-uh-m/pəˈtɜːnəlɪzəm/

Paternalism is the practice of limiting people’s freedom for their supposed good, as a father might: paternalism in the handbook, a paternalist clause. Care is everyday; supposed good is not consent.

Meaning

The practice of limiting people’s freedom for their supposed good, as a father might.

Examples

• “Paternalism in the handbook is not consent; keep the ethics signature.”
• “Care is everyday. Fatherly is the close twin. A handbook line is talk. A signature is a file. Keep the signature; then keep the care if the clause still sits on consent.”

Good to know

Restricting freedom “for their own good”. Close: fatherly. Care ≠ an ethics signature.

Near in meaning

fatherliness, protectionism, oversight

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