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.

plural of authoritarianism

Of, or relating to, or exhibiting strict obedience to an authority; favoring authoritarianism over civic and individual liberties.

One who commands absolute obedience to his or her authority. / One who follows and is excessively obedient to authority.

plural of authoritarian

opposition to authoritarianism

A display of authoritarian force by a government, particularly when unnecessary, as a means to convince or coerce the media and the population into believing that the government has control in matters of law and order.

A post-Maoist current in Chinese political thought favoring enlightened autocracy. / Any present-day phenomenon of authoritarianism.

After an especially authoritarian social order.

Synonym of antiauthoritarian