(adj) characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty, Syn. dictatorial, tyrannic, despotic, autocratic, tyrannical, Example:an authoritarian regime; autocratic government; despotic rulers; a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war; a tyrannical government
adj. 1. characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty; -- of governments or rulers; as, an authoritarian regime Syn. -- autocratic, dictatorial, despotic, tyrannical [ WordNet 1.5 ]
2.1 expecting unquestioning obedience: "he was imperious and dictatorial"; "the timid child of authoritarian parents"; "insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter" Syn. -- dictatorial, overbearing [ WordNet 1.5 ]