authoritarian meaning and definition

AUTHORITARIAN noun

Definition of authoritarian (noun)

1. a person who behaves in a tyrannical manner
   • "my boss is a dictator who makes everyone work overtime"
   • synonyms: dictator

AUTHORITARIAN adjective

Definition of authoritarian (adjective)

1. characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty
   • "an authoritarian regime"; "autocratic government"; "despotic rulers"; "a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war"; "a tyrannical government"
   • synonyms: autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, tyrannic, tyrannical
2. expecting unquestioning obedience
   • "the timid child of authoritarian parents"; "insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter"
   • synonyms: dictatorial, overbearing