authoritarianism

/əˌθɔːrɪˈteəriənɪzəm/ /ɔˌθɔːrɪˈteəriənɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

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.

Examples :

"The strict rules and lack of student input in the school's decision-making process were signs of creeping authoritarianism. "

Related Words

absolute noun

/ˈæb.səˌljuːt/ /ˈæb.səˌlut/

That which is independent of context-dependent interpretation, inviolate, fundamental.

"moral absolutes"

governing verb

/ˈɡʌvənɪŋ/ /ˈɡʌvɚnɪŋ/

To make and administer the public policy and affairs of; to exercise sovereign authority in.

"The old king governed the land wisely."

judicial noun

/dʒuˈdɪʃəl/

That branch of government which is responsible for maintaining the courts of law and for the administration of justice.

"The judicial branch of government decided the case about the school's new dress code. "

government noun

/ˈɡʌvə(n)mənt/ /ˈɡʌvɚ(n)mənt/

The body with the power to make and/or enforce laws to control a country, land area, people or organization.

"The government decided to raise taxes to fund new schools. "

maintained verb

/meɪnˈteɪnd/

To support (someone), to back up or assist (someone) in an action.

"The teacher maintained discipline in the classroom by consistently enforcing the rules. "

opinion noun

/əˈpɪnjən/

A subjective belief, judgment or perspective that a person has formed about a topic, issue, person or thing.

"My opinion is that we should have more recess time at school. "

typically adverb

/ˈtɪp.ɪ.kl.i/

In a typical or common manner.

"My sister, typically, wakes up early for school. "

student noun

/ˈstjuː.dənt/ /ˈstu.dn̩t/

A person who studies or learns about a particular subject.

"He is a student of life."

creeping verb

/ˈkɹiːpɪŋ/

To move slowly with the abdomen close to the ground.

"The baby was creeping across the living room floor, trying to reach his toy. "

control noun

/kənˈtɹəʊl/ /kənˈt(ʃ)ɹoʊl/

Influence or authority over something.

"The government has complete control over the situation."

process noun

/ˈpɹoʊsɛs/ /ˈpɹəʊsɛs/ /ˈpɹɑsɛs/ /pɹəˈsɛs/

A series of events which produce a result (the product).

"The process of baking a cake involves several steps, from mixing the ingredients to putting it in the oven. "

decision noun

/dɪˈsɪʒən/

The act of deciding.

"After careful consideration, the student made a decision about which college to attend. "