authoritarianism

noun

au·​thor·​i·​tar·​i·​an·​ism ȯ-ˌthär-ə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce authoritarianism (audio) ə- How to pronounce authoritarianism (audio)
-ˌthȯr-
plural -s
Synonyms of authoritarianismnext
: an authoritarian system : authoritarian principles

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of authoritarianism was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Authoritarianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoritarianism. Accessed 29 Dec. 2025.

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