C1adjectiveformalpolitics
US/əˌθɔːr.əˈter.i.ən/
UK/ɔːˌθɒr.ɪˈteə.ri.ən/
demanding complete obedience to those in power and not allowing people personal freedom
In context
The country moved from authoritarian rule to democracy in the 1990s.
Her father was strict and authoritarian, so she rarely spoke at dinner.
Some voters are attracted to authoritarian leaders who promise order.
Words that go with authoritarian
adjective + noun
- authoritarian regimeActivists living under an authoritarian regime often use encrypted apps.
- authoritarian ruleDecades of authoritarian rule ended with free elections.
- authoritarian governmentAn authoritarian government can act quickly but rarely admits mistakes.
- authoritarian leaderThe book compares how each authoritarian leader controlled the press.
- authoritarian stateThe novel describes daily life in an authoritarian state.
adverb + adjective
- increasingly authoritarianObservers say the government has become increasingly authoritarian.