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paternalism

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Paternalism is a method of controlling a group of people or a country similar to that of a father/child relationship.

(noun)

An example of paternalism is a commune being run by one man in charge.

See paternalism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the principle or system of governing or controlling a country, group of employees, etc. in a manner suggesting a father's relationship with his children

Origin: paternal + -ism

Related Forms:

paternalist noun, adjective
paternalistic adjective
paternalistically adverb

See paternalism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A policy or practice of treating or governing people in a fatherly manner, especially by providing for their needs without giving them rights or responsibilities.

Related Forms: