paternalism

noun

pa·​ter·​nal·​ism pə-ˈtər-nə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: a system under which an authority undertakes to supply needs or regulate conduct of those under its control in matters affecting them as individuals as well as in their relations to authority and to each other

the empire's paternalism in regard to its colonies

2

: a policy or practice based on or characteristic of paternalism

paternalist

pə-ˈtər-nə-list 

noun or adjective

paternalistic

pə-ˌtər-nə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

paternalistically

pə-ˌtər-nə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of paternalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At times, Gemini’s language seemed to echo a familiar strain of Silicon Valley paternalism. —Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025

Unlike paternalism — which presumes incompetence and justifies overriding someone’s autonomy — maternalism operates relationally, that is to say, it is rooted in relational awareness. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

At times, Singer (who is himself a general surgeon) suggests that much government regulation of medical care is overzealous paternalism. —John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Technocratic paternalism, a genuine belief that facts settle policy, could be one reason. —Jacob Hale Russell, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for paternalism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism