paternalistic
Patronizingly controlling behavior
Paternalistic describes authority that limits freedom ostensibly for the subject's own good—like a father deciding what's best for his children.
Governments, employers, and institutions draw this charge when they restrict choices people might make for themselves: paternalistic drug laws, paternalistic workplace policies.
The word nearly always carries criticism, implying the authority is condescending or overreaching.
Intruding in others' affairs
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
- meddlesomeProne to interfering
- nosyIntrusively curious
- pryingIntrusively inquisitive
officious · busybody · overprotective · smothering · hovering · micromanaging · overreaching · encroaching
Aggressively asserting control
- overbearingArrogantly dominating in manner
- controllingExerting authority over others
- dictatorialImposing absolute control
- autocraticRuling with absolute authority
high-handed · heavy-handed · imperious · condescending · patronizing · bossy · oppressive · coercive
Sincerely trying to help
- kindheartedNaturally sympathetic and caring
- caringShowing kind concern
- nurturingSupportive care-giving
- protectiveServing to guard
charitable · altruistic · philanthropic · humanitarian · compassionate · generous · magnanimous · beneficent
Male head of family
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- mentoringAdvising someone less experienced
- providerOne who furnishes things
- disciplinarianStrict enforcer of rules
stern · loving · supportive · advisory · familial · upbringing · elder · wisdom
Domination through foreign settlement
- imperialismExtending dominion over others
- trusteeshipFiduciary guardianship position
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
- protectorateGuarded semi-autonomous territory
stewardship · guardianship · custodianship · oversight · regulation · interventionism · technocracy · bureaucracy
Owner of enslaved persons
- plantationLarge-scale farming operation
- antebellumBefore a war's start
- masterAuthority or controller
- chattelMovable personal property
bondage · enslavement · manumission · abolitionism · proslavery · overseer · subjugation · dehumanization
interfering
Intruding in others' affairs
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
- meddlesomeProne to interfering
- nosyIntrusively curious
prying · officious · busybody · overprotective · smothering · hovering · micromanaging · overreaching · encroaching · unwelcome
domineering
Aggressively asserting control
- overbearingArrogantly dominating in manner
- controllingExerting authority over others
- dictatorialImposing absolute control
autocratic · high-handed · heavy-handed · imperious · condescending · patronizing · bossy · oppressive · coercive · restrictive
well-meaning
Sincerely trying to help
- kindheartedNaturally sympathetic and caring
- caringShowing kind concern
- nurturingSupportive care-giving
protective · charitable · altruistic · philanthropic · humanitarian · compassionate · generous · magnanimous · beneficent · goodhearted
paterfamilias
Male head of family
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- mentoringAdvising someone less experienced
- providerOne who furnishes things
disciplinarian · stern · loving · supportive · advisory · familial · upbringing · elder · wisdom · affectionate
colonialism
Domination through foreign settlement
- imperialismExtending dominion over others
- trusteeshipFiduciary guardianship position
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
protectorate · stewardship · guardianship · custodianship · oversight · regulation · interventionism · technocracy · bureaucracy · policy
slaveholder
Owner of enslaved persons
- plantationLarge-scale farming operation
- antebellumBefore a war's start
- masterAuthority or controller
chattel · bondage · enslavement · manumission · abolitionism · proslavery · overseer · subjugation · dehumanization · Confederacy
paternalistichands-off
Not directly involved
laissez-faire · libertarian · permissive · empowering · uncontrolling
paternalisticrespectful
Showing proper regard
trusting · egalitarian · empowering · collaborative · democratic