Added 9 October 2026
authoritarian
/ɔːˌθɒɹ.ɪˈtɛə̯.ɹɪən/ noun
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about authoritarian at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
adjective
-
Characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty.
an authoritarian regime
-
Expecting unquestioning obedience.
the timid child of authoritarian parents
Origin
From authority + -arian, circa 1880.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)