paternalize
Treat as children
To paternalize is to treat someone in a fatherly but controlling way—providing for their needs while limiting their autonomy.
The word carries critical overtones, suggesting the treatment is unwelcome or inappropriate: Colonial administrators paternalized indigenous populations, deciding what was best for them.
Related to paternalism, the governing philosophy that justifies such control.
Treat as immature
- belittleTo make something seem unimportant
- demeanLower in standing
- dismissSend away or reject
- underestimateJudge too low
trivialize · oversimplify · talk down · diminish · deprecate · disparage · undervalue · pity
Aggressively asserting control
- smotheringDepriving of air
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
- meddlesomeProne to interfering
- bossyToo fond of directing others
presumptuous · heavy-handed · authoritarian · oppressive · suffocating · overbearing · interfering · high-handed
Control through superior strength
- dictateGive orders imperiously
- overrideCancel by authority
- overruleReject by higher authority
- imposeForce acceptance of
micromanage · restrict · regulate · supervise · manage · commandeer · manipulate · steer
infantilize
Treat as immature
underestimate · trivialize · oversimplify · talk down · diminish · deprecate · disparage · undervalue · pity · coddle
domineering
Aggressively asserting control
- smotheringDepriving of air
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
- meddlesomeProne to interfering
bossy · presumptuous · heavy-handed · authoritarian · oppressive · suffocating · overbearing · interfering · high-handed · overprotective
dominate
Control through superior strength
impose · micromanage · restrict · regulate · supervise · manage · commandeer · manipulate · steer · direct
safeguard
Precaution against harm
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- shelterProtected place or structure
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
custodian · watchful · defend · preserve · caretaker · steward · protector · provider · look after · care for
mentor
Trusted wisdom-giving advisor
teach · direct · coach · nurture · foster · support · lead · educate · shape · mold
paternalizeempower
Grant authority or confidence
liberate · enable · trust · enfranchise · emancipate