The attitude (of a person or a government) that subordinates should be controlled in a fatherly way for their own good

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"feeling of a father for his children," 1851; "government as by a father over his children," 1866, from paternal + -ism . Related: Paternalistic (1890).

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. the attitude (of a person or a government) that subordinates should be controlled in a fatherly way for their own good

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. The treatment of people in a fatherly manner, especially by caring for them but sometimes being stern with them.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Word definitions in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
noun EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS ▪ Economists rarely subscribe to the value judgement of whole-scale paternalism . ▪ His lack of charisma and often unhappy persona will contrast sharply with Mandela's awesome humility, humour and stern paternalism . ▪ If the philosophical ...

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Paternalism is behavior by an organization or state that limits some person or group's liberty or autonomy for what is presumed to be that person's or group's own good. Paternalism can also imply that the behavior is against or regardless of the will of ...

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Paternalism \Pa*ter"nal*ism\, n. (Polit. Science) The theory or practice of paternal government. See Paternal government , under Paternal . --London Times.