C1adjectiveformalpoliticssociety
US/pəˌtɜːr.nəˈlɪs.tɪk/
UK/pəˌtɜː.nəˈlɪs.tɪk/
controlling people for their own good, making choices for them instead of letting them decide
In context
Many workers resented the paternalistic attitude of the company's founder.
Critics call the policy paternalistic because it limits what adults may buy.
Her doctor was kind but paternalistic, and rarely explained his decisions.
Words that go with paternalistic
adjective + noun
- paternalistic attitudeA paternalistic attitude makes patients feel ignored.
- paternalistic approachThe school takes a paternalistic approach to discipline.
- paternalistic policySome see the sugar tax as a paternalistic policy.
- paternalistic governmentA paternalistic government decides too much for its citizens.
adjective + preposition
- paternalistic towardThe manager was paternalistic toward the new staff.
adverb + adjective
- overly paternalisticThe manager was overly paternalistic toward new staff.