'authoritarianisms' originates from English, specifically formed by adding the plural suffix '-s' to 'authoritarianism', where 'authoritarianism' is formed from 'authoritarian' + '-ism' and 'authoritarian' ultimately comes via French 'autoritaire'.

'authoritarianism' developed in late 19th to early 20th century English from the adjective 'authoritarian' (from French 'autoritaire'), which itself traces back to Latin 'auctoritas' ('authority', 'influence'). The plural 'authoritarianisms' is the regular English plural of that noun.

Initially the root ideas centered on 'authority' and the quality of 'being authoritative'; over time 'authoritarianism' came to denote political systems or ideologies emphasizing strong central authority and limited political freedoms. That core meaning has been retained while its usage expanded to name specific regimes or doctrines.