English · Word Candidate

authoritarian

/ɔːˌθɒɹ.ɪˈtɛə̯.ɹɪən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: authoritarians

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of, or relating to, or exhibiting strict obedience to an authority; favoring authoritarianism over civic and individual liberties.

Adjective

the authoritarian personality

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Demanding obedience to authority; marked by authoritarianism; dictatorial, tyrannical.

Adjective

The authoritarian government was demanding stricter laws for low-wage peasants.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

One who commands absolute obedience to his or her authority.

Noun

The dictator was an authoritarian.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

One who follows and is excessively obedient to authority.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “authoritarian” mean?

Of, or relating to, or exhibiting strict obedience to an authority; favoring authoritarianism over civic and individual liberties.

Is “authoritarian” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.