Langimage
English

authoritarian

|au/thor/i/tar/i/an|

C1

🇺🇸

/əˌθɔːrɪˈtɛriən/

🇬🇧

/ɔːˌθɒrɪˈteəriən/

strict control

Etymology
Etymology Information

'authoritarian' originates from the Latin word 'auctoritas,' meaning 'authority.'

Historical Evolution

'auctoritas' transformed into the French word 'autoritaire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'authoritarian.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to authority,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'favoring strict obedience to authority.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a person who favors or acts according to authoritarian principles.

He was known as an authoritarian who demanded complete control.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.

The authoritarian regime suppressed any form of dissent.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35