Simple Definition of authoritarian

from our Learner's Dictionary

authoritarian

adjective

: expecting or requiring people to obey rules or laws : not allowing personal freedom
They had authoritarian parents.
an authoritarian government/regime

Cite this Entry

“Authoritarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/authoritarian. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on authoritarian

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