Authoritarian: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a government or leader that requires strict obedience and often limits personal freedoms.

• The authoritarian regime imposed strict laws that limited free speech

Typically refers to a leadership style where the leader exercises absolute power, often with negative connotations.

• Her dictatorial management style didn't allow for any dissent or suggestions

Used to describe conditions or regimes that are harsh and unfair and limit the freedoms of individuals.

• The oppressive policies of the government led to widespread protests

Often used in a context where a single person has all the power and makes decisions without consulting others.

• The company's autocratic CEO made all decisions without considering the opinions of the employees

Describes a political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

• The citizens lived under a totalitarian regime that controlled all aspects of life, from the media to education

Used to describe a person or government that demands strict obedience and centralized control, often at the expense of personal freedoms, but without the extreme connotation of brutality.

• The authoritarian leader imposed new laws without consulting the public.
• Authoritarian regimes often restrict media freedom.

Describes a political leader who holds absolute power, often ruling without the consent of the governed and typically associated with oppressive policies.

• The dictator abolished the constitution and declared himself the supreme leader.
• Many people fled the country to escape the dictator's harsh rule.

Describes a cruel and oppressive ruler who uses power unjustly. This term also has a strong negative connotation.

• The tyrant punished anyone who spoke against him.
• She was known as a ruthless tyrant who showed no mercy.

Refers to a ruler with absolute power who uses it in a cruel and oppressive way. This word has a strong negative connotation.

• The despot ruled with an iron fist, allowing no dissent.
• People lived in fear under the rule of the despot.

Used to describe a political system or leader that seeks to control all aspects of public and private life, often through coercion and oppressive measures.

• The totalitarian government monitored all forms of communication.
• In a totalitarian state, dissent is not tolerated.