paternalism

 
Pronunciation: /pəˈtəːn(ə)lɪz(ə)m/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the policy or practice on the part of people in authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to or otherwise dependent on them in their supposed interest: attitudes in society reinforce a degree of paternalism among doctors

Derivatives

paternalist

noun & adjective

paternalistic

Pronunciation: /-ˈlɪstɪk/
adjective

paternalistically

Pronunciation: /-ˈlɪstɪk(ə)li/
adverb