Authoritarianism

Definitions

A form of government in which the governing body has absolute, or almost absolute, control. Typically this control is maintained by force, and little heed is paid to public opinion or the judicial system.

countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“Near-synonyms: dictatorialism; autocratism; totalitarianism (see⟳ usage note⟳ there)”

“This is the struggle⟳ of our time. The forces of freedom, openness and global community against the forces of authoritarianism, isolationism and nationalism.”

“Working from a psycho-dynamic perspective, Fromm explained authoritarianism as a response to the breakdown of traditional social structures brought about by industrialization and modernization.”

“Instead of three co-equal branches acting as a check on each other, power has become⟳ increasingly concentrated over the years in the White House – a trend that is now being supercharged under Mr. Trump in ways that, to critics, raise⟳ the specter of authoritarianism.”

“If Trump defies the Court here, then America will have⟳ taken an important step toward authoritarianism and anti-constitutional government.”

CEFR level