paternalism

noun

pa·ter·nal·ism pə-ˈtər-nə-ˌli-zəm

: 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

: 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 But as many in the region remain resentful of Paris’s paternalism—and, to a lesser extent, skeptical about Washington’s intentions—Russian policymakers have discovered that their biggest advantage is that Russia is neither France nor the United States. —

Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2024 Too many wish to be doted upon or crave paternalism to escape responsibility. —

Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 31 Mar. 2024 Michelin paternalism The initiative has been rolled out across Michelin’s international bases. —

Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 18 Apr. 2024 Such belief permeates his nurturing paternalism, allowing his home and workplace to transform into training forums where mistakes are not just allowed, but celebrated as stepping stones for learning and evolution. —

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paternalism

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paternalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.