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Adjective: authoritarian  o,thor-u'teh-ree-un or o,thór-u'teh-ree-un [N. Amer], o,thó-ru'teh-ree-un [Brit]
  1. Characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty
    "an authoritarian regime";
    - autocratic, dictatorial, despotic, tyrannic, tyrannical
     
  2. Expecting unquestioning obedience
    "the timid child of authoritarian parents";
    - dictatorial, overbearing
Noun: authoritarian  o,thor-u'teh-ree-un or o,thór-u'teh-ree-un [N. Amer], o,thó-ru'teh-ree-un [Brit]
  1. A person who behaves in a tyrannical manner
    - dictator

Derived forms: authoritarians

See also: domineering, undemocratic

Type of: oppressor

Encyclopedia: Authoritarian