Authoritarian Vocabulary

adjective describing someone who behaves in an autocratic or domineering manner

• The dictator's dictatorial regime oppressed its citizens.
• The boss's dictatorial behavior is making everyone uncomfortable.
• My teacher is so dictatorial, she never lets us have any fun in class.
• The strict dress code at the office felt almost dictatorial in nature.

noun a person who is heavy handed in their approach or behavior

adjective describing someone who is overly forceful or harsh in their actions or manner

• The manager was criticized for his heavy-handed approach to discipline in the workplace.
• I don't like how heavy-handed the teacher is with giving out homework.
• The referee was being so heavy-handed with the fouls during the game.
• Her heavy-handed editing completely changed the tone of the article.

adjective using force or authority in an insensitive or harsh way

• The court criticized the prosecutor for his heavy-handed approach during the trial.
• The teacher was heavy-handed with the students who were misbehaving.
• The coach is a bit heavy-handed when it comes to training us.
• The company's heavy-handed tactics in negotiations left a bad impression on their business partners.

adjective showing arrogant superiority; overbearing

• The manager's high-handed approach to decision-making alienated many of his employees.
• She always acts so high-handed, like she's better than everyone else.
• Don't be so high-handed about it, just chill out and relax.
• His high-handed attitude towards criticism only served to isolate him from others.

adjective describing something that oppresses or restricts freedom or expression

• The government's repressive policies restricted freedom of speech.
• Living under a repressive regime can be suffocating.
• I can't stand this repressive nonsense anymore!
• Her repressive attitude towards creativity stifled the team's innovation.

noun a person who believes in or advocates absolute principles or doctrines

adjective relating to or adhering to absolutism; absolute

• The philosopher believed in an absolutist approach to ethics, where certain actions are always right or wrong.
• My friend has a very absolutist view on politics - she thinks her way is the only right way.
• Some people call him an absolutist because he never changes his mind, no matter what.
• Her absolutist attitude towards life leaves no room for compromise or flexibility.