paternalism
noun
pa·ter·nal·ism
pə-ˈtər-nə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: a system under which an authority undertakes to supply needs or regulate conduct of those under its control in matters affecting them as individuals as well as in their relations to authority and to each other
the empire's paternalism in regard to its colonies
2
: a policy or practice based on or characteristic of paternalism
Examples of paternalism in a Sentence
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Early in the film, Samuel offers the same reproach to Romy, and the unexpected flicker of paternalism is part of what catches her interest.
—
Alex Barasch, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
As these plots intersect, Morisseau mines the rich vein that is blurriness between economic self-determination and exploitation and the way that, as Thomas points out, white liberal and Black American economic guilt greases the wheels of paternalism, powering the whole thing.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024
Meanwhile, many doctors refuse to perform permanent birth-control procedures, such as tubal ligations, for fear that a patient will regret it—a concern that often seems grounded not in actual legal barriers but in paternalism.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024
All the while, the Jensens (young Julia included) treat her with a shifting mix of condescending paternalism and low-grade hostility.
—Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2024
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Alex Barasch, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
As these plots intersect, Morisseau mines the rich vein that is blurriness between economic self-determination and exploitation and the way that, as Thomas points out, white liberal and Black American economic guilt greases the wheels of paternalism, powering the whole thing.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024
Meanwhile, many doctors refuse to perform permanent birth-control procedures, such as tubal ligations, for fear that a patient will regret it—a concern that often seems grounded not in actual legal barriers but in paternalism.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024
All the while, the Jensens (young Julia included) treat her with a shifting mix of condescending paternalism and low-grade hostility.
—Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paternalism
Dictionary Entries Near paternalism
Cite this Entry
“Paternalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paternalism. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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